Ambassador Samuela Isopi, the Head of the European Union (EU) delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, affirmed that Nigeria remains a key strategic partner for the EU.
During her opening remarks at the Europe Day 2024 reception in Abuja, Ambassador Isopi highlighted the EU’s significant cooperation with Nigeria across various sectors, including energy, climate, digital innovation, health, and entrepreneurship. She emphasised the EU’s commitment to supporting critical public and private investments in Nigeria, aiming to foster sustainable development and economic growth.
Additionally, Ambassador Isopi reiterated the EU’s support for democratic governance in Nigeria and the West African region. She stated the importance of civil society in promoting accountability and driving positive change.
Ambassador Isopi also commended the EU’s longstanding partnership with Nigeria, emphasising the shared values and challenges that bind the two entities, such as the rule of law, democratic governance, and protection of fundamental rights.
Furthermore, she highlighted the growing trade volume between Nigeria and the EU, which has reached €45 billion as of September 2023. Ambassador Isopi expressed optimism about the potential for further collaboration and economic growth between Nigeria and its European partners.
In his goodwill message, Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, echoed Ambassador Isopi’s sentiments, emphasising Nigeria’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investment and trade with the EU. He highlighted the significant economic ties between Nigeria and the EU, with the EU being Nigeria’s largest trading partner, accounting for 20.9% of the country’s global trade.
Kalu assured the EU of Nigeria’s readiness to enhance cooperation and collaboration, looking forward to a future of mutual prosperity and development.