Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with the European Union (EU), describing the bloc as a vital ally in trade, regional security, and sustainable development.
Tuggar made this known while hosting a six-member delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja.
The delegation, comprising representatives from five EU countries and three political groups, visited Nigeria as part of a working mission aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation and assessing key developments across West Africa.
In his remarks, Ambassador Tuggar emphasised that the EU remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner, accounting for over €31.8 billion in trade volume, adding that both regions share deep historical and strategic ties.
“Europe continues to be our largest trading partner, accounting for no less than €31.8 billion in trade volume,” Tuggar said. For us, the European Union is not a distant partner; we consider ourselves neighbours, separated only by the Mediterranean, water in the middle of land.”
The minister noted that Nigeria’s collaboration with the EU extends beyond trade, encompassing peacebuilding, democratic governance, energy transition, and climate resilience.
He expressed optimism that continued engagement would yield shared prosperity and regional stability, ahead of the upcoming EU–African Union Summit slated for November in Angola.
According to the Ministry, discussions during the visit will help shape EU policy directions towards Africa’s security and economic integration.
The EU delegation commended Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa and pledged continued support in tackling regional challenges, including migration, insecurity, and economic reform.
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