…reaffirms support for Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
The head of delegation of the European Union to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, has announced that Lagos will host the 10th EU-Nigeria Business Forum on June 25, 2026.
Mignot disclosed this in Abuja during the commemoration of the 2026 Europe Day, marking 76 years since the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for European integration.
According to the envoy, the forum is part of efforts to deepen economic relations between the EU and Nigeria, with a focus on boosting investment and strengthening private sector collaboration.
He expressed optimism that the Lagos forum would result in fresh investment opportunities and stronger commercial partnerships between European and Nigerian businesses.
Speaking on trade and investment relations, the ambassador acknowledged that both European and Nigerian firms still face export and trade barriers. He, however, noted that ongoing EU-Nigeria trade and investment dialogues were addressing the challenges.
Mignot added that this year’s Europe Day celebration placed strong emphasis on the EU’s partnership with Nigeria amid growing global geopolitical uncertainties.
He described relations between the EU and Nigeria over the past year as “very productive,” citing increasing cooperation in trade, investment, democracy support, security and governance reforms.
“We are much more than a donor or development partner. We are a strategic political partner for Nigeria, and Nigeria is a strategic partner for us too,” the envoy said.
The ambassador noted that EU cooperation with Nigeria is built around long-term sustainability, support for women and youths, democracy, rule of law and institutional strengthening.
The envoy also recalled the recent EU-Nigeria ministerial dialogue held in March, during which the EU High Representative and Vice President, Kaja Kallas, met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to further strengthen bilateral ties.
On trade relations, the envoy said the EU remained Nigeria’s largest trading partner when all 27 member states are considered collectively.
“We are almost at about 27 per cent, much ahead of any other trade partner of Nigeria,” the envoy stated.
The envoy also reaffirmed EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He noted that its role would remain focused on technical assistance, institutional strengthening and capacity building.
Mignot said the union would continue to support democratic governance initiatives involving key electoral stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, political parties, the National Assembly and the media.
The envoy said the EU had consistently supported democracy and electoral reforms in Nigeria through its Support to Democratic Governance programme, aimed at improving the credibility and transparency of elections.
According to the ambassador, preparations for the 2027 polls would build on recommendations made by previous EU Election Observation Missions and expert reports submitted after earlier elections.
“We will continue doing what we have been doing consistently, which is trying to reinforce capacities, trying to help reforms and improve the system little by little over the years,” the envoy stated.
