Bukola Afeni
The new EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, has expressed his commitment to expanding the partnership between the EU and Nigeria, particularly in trade and business.
He made the disclosure at a maiden press conference with journalists in Abuja.
According to him, Nigeria is a strategic partner of the EU, both in regional powerhouse and a key player in continental and global affairs.
“Together we shall raise the bar and take the EU-Nigeria partnership to even greater heights.”
The EU and Nigeria have a long-standing partnership, with the EU being Nigeria’s most important trading partner for oil and non-oil exports.
He added that through the Global Gateway investment agenda, the EU is focused more on creating jobs and opportunities, especially for young people in Nigeria.
“We are building on Nigeria’s great sense of entrepreneurship, sectors like green economy, digital, agri-food and health: this is actually already an ongoing work. We will pay special attention to the North of the country where we have specific needs.”
Ambassador Mignot further noted that the EU Delegation will also address the issue of migration partnership.
“Through Migration partnership, we will cover all aspects: smuggling and trafficking of human beings, readmission and reintegration of migrants not admitted to remain in the EU or stranded in the way, by creating legal pathways by responding to both parties’ interests.”
He expressed optimism for better collaboration between the EU Delegation and Nigeria.
“We want to partner more closely with the Nigerian authorities, at Federal and local levels, listen to their expectations, strategies and needs, but also listen to Civil society and the young people.”
