By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on Monday, October 27, 2025, received a high-powered delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs in Abuja, reaffirming Europe’s position as Nigeria’s largest trading partner, with trade volumes exceeding €31.8 billion.

In his address, Tuggar emphasized the strategic importance of EU–Nigeria relations, describing the visit as a reaffirmation of the long-standing cooperation across trade, security, and development.

“Europe is not just a partner; it is our neighbor,” he said, stressing the shared geography that binds both regions through the Mediterranean, “our Mare Nostrum.”

The minister traced the historical and geographical ties linking Nigeria and Europe, referencing the ministry’s symbolic naming after Nigeria’s first Prime Minister. He noted that the Mediterranean Sea serves as a natural bridge between Africa and Europe — a testament to their shared destinies.

Tuggar underscored that collaboration between Nigeria and the EU remains critical, particularly in the areas of security, economic growth, and sustainable development, as both partners work toward regional stability and prosperity.

He also highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s priorities — food security, job creation, and health — as Nigeria pushes for greater economic self-reliance amid rapid population growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s recent membership in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) opens new doors for investment and cooperation, especially in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure.

“Nigeria has a duty not only to itself but to the entire continent,” Tuggar said. “We are working to integrate African markets, develop industries, and build a stronger, united region.”

The minister further praised the European Union’s integration journey as a model Nigeria can learn from in its pursuit of regional unity through ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the EU across shared priorities — from economic development to democratic governance and regional peacebuilding.

Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Tuggar welcomed the delegation once more, expressing optimism for an even stronger EU–Nigeria partnership in the years ahead.

European Parliament Delegation Lauds Nigeria as Africa’s Strategic Partner

In his response, David McAllister, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, led the introduction of the six-member delegation representing five countries and three political groups.

He reaffirmed that Nigeria stands as a strategic political and economic partner for the European Union, given its leadership role in West Africa and its status as the continent’s most populous nation.

“Our visit underscores the EU’s commitment to understanding Nigeria’s vision for the region and to strengthening the cooperation that binds us,” McAllister stated.

The visiting parliamentarians expressed keen interest in hearing Nigeria’s perspective ahead of the upcoming EU–AU Summit in Angola this November. Key topics of discussion included Nigeria’s expectations for the summit and ongoing security challenges in the Sahel — particularly in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

The delegation described the visit as part of the EU’s broader engagement strategy to listen, learn, and strengthen partnerships with African nations.

On behalf of the team, McAllister expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for its hospitality and openness in sharing insights on bilateral relations. He reiterated that the visit reflects Europe’s enduring interest in deepening political dialogue and cooperation with Nigeria — a country he described as “an essential pillar of Africa’s stability and progress.”