The European Union has reiterated its solidarity with Nigeria and pledged to strengthen cooperation on security matters, emphasising respect for the nation’s sovereignty.
The EU’s position comes amid recent external comments concerning Nigeria’s internal affairs.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Gautier Mignot, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos.
Mignot was reacting to the recent comments made by US President Donald Trump about Nigeria. He said the EU’s position was not influenced by external actors but rooted in its long-standing partnership and shared values with Nigeria.
“Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria. Solidarity with the victims of violence, with the authorities working to protect citizens, and with the Nigerian people who overwhelmingly desire peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides,” Mignot said. He added, “We respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality.”
The Ambassador outlined the practical ways the EU intends to enhance its support. “We are ready to enhance our support in peace, security and defence matters, as well as through dialogue with all stakeholders, including civil society organisations and traditional and religious leaders,” he stated.
Mignot assured that the EU would continue to implement several peacebuilding initiatives across the country to promote peaceful coexistence. “We also support programmes on deradicalisation, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-members of non-state armed groups in the North-East,” he said.
He further emphasised the EU’s commitment to human rights, noting, “We respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality.” Mignot acknowledged that while Nigeria faces challenges, its legal framework provides for fundamental freedoms. “The situation is not perfect, as in any country, but there exists a constitutional basis for the protection of human rights. It is up to Nigerian authorities and society as a whole to uphold and strengthen this environment of peaceful coexistence,” he stated.
The ambassador also revealed a specific upcoming initiative to deepen ties. Mignot disclosed that a peace, security and defence dialogue between Nigeria and the EU is expected soon as part of efforts to deepen strategic cooperation.
He emphasised that the EU’s engagement with Nigeria remains steady and predictable, adding that the cooperation between both parties is not driven by what others do but by “shared interest in a stable, prosperous, and democratic Nigeria.” Mignot concluded by affirming that the country’s future “lies firmly in the hands of Nigerians themselves.”
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