EU Pledges More Support For Nigerian Communities Facing Violence

The European Union (EU) on Wednesday promised to continue to support communities in Nigeria affected by conflict, violence, and natural disasters.

This was revealed by the EU’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, HE Gautier Mignot, at a press conference in Lagos.

Mignot said the EU is committed to solidarity, assisting the Nigerian government in aiding communities affected by conflict, violence, and natural disasters.

While noting that the EU is one of the leading humanitarian donors in Nigeria, he said the Union pays particular attention to the humanitarian-development-peace nexus to provide sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by populations affected by crises.

The ambassador further said that the current EU humanitarian response addresses protection, food security, nutrition, shelter, water and sanitation, emergency education, and disaster preparedness. It amounts to EUR 102 million for EU27, nearly half of that from the EU.”

Also, during the event, Mignot disclosed that the union had launched the “Global Gateway,” a new investment strategy to connect people and accelerate the green, digital, and inclusive transition in partner countries, including Nigeria.

He stated that this initiative focuses on leveraging and accelerating investments while enhancing collaboration with EU companies to bring tangible benefits to Nigerians.

Flagship projects under the Global Gateway include various initiatives, such as Omi Eko (Lagos waterway), the development of the renewable energy sector (including solar and small hydropower), vaccine production (MAV+), and programs like Erasmus+ and Horizon.

Mignot emphasised that the Global Gateway investment agenda would prioritise creating jobs and opportunities, especially for young people, while building on Nigeria’s strong entrepreneurial spirit in sectors like the green economy, digital innovation, agri-food, and health.