October 31, (THEWILL) — The European Parliament has expressed strong support for Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, pledging to deepen cooperation in trade, sustainable growth, and democratic governance.
The endorsement came on Thursday when the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, hosted a delegation of the European Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs led by Mr. David McAllister, alongside the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The visit, which reinforces growing EU–Nigeria ties, aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Strategy, a framework promoting collaboration in infrastructure, energy transition, governance, and inclusive growth across partner nations.
Welcoming the delegation, the ministry’s Acting Permanent Secretary described the engagement as a renewed expression of “long-standing friendship and shared values” between both sides.
Speaking on behalf of the European delegation, Ambassador Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Nigeria’s development goals, describing the country as “a critical partner in West Africa.”
“The European Union will continue to support Nigeria’s ambition to lead sustainable growth and development in the region,” he said.
Lead delegate and Chair of the EU Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr. David McAllister, stressed Nigeria’s strategic importance to Europe.
“We are here to underline one clear message: Nigeria matters. The EU is one of Nigeria’s largest trade and investment partners, and our goal is to elevate this relationship to the next level,” McAllister said.
He commended the EU–Nigeria Trade and Investment Dialogue launched earlier this year, describing it as “a landmark initiative” capable of accelerating clean energy progress, boosting industrial capacity, and driving economic diversification.
“We look forward to taking back a strong message to Brussels, that our partnership with Nigeria must grow deeper and broader,” he added, noting that shared democratic values remain central to the partnership.
Responding, Minister Bagudu thanked the European Parliament for its continued partnership, especially “at a time when multilateral cooperation is being tested globally.”
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline, driving private-sector-led growth, and building a sustainable economy.
“Our President has set a clear target, a one-trillion-dollar GDP by 2030. To achieve this, 86 percent of investments will come from the private sector. This is ambitious but achievable through partnerships like ours with the European Union,” Bagudu said.
He emphasised that Nigeria seeks collaboration, not aid, adding, “Nigeria is committed to rule-based governance and democratic values. We do not seek aid; we seek equitable cooperation that benefits Nigerians and our partners alike.”
Bagudu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to ratify the Samoa Agreement, describing it as central to advancing cooperation under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.
He identified climate-smart investments, industrial growth, lawful migration management, and inclusive economic development as key areas of focus, while describing the EU as “a critical ally” in achieving these goals.
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