Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called on the European Union (EU) to step up its multilateral and bilateral cooperation with African countries, saying Asia is now doing more for the black continent regarding physical investment.
He urged the EU to use the Donald Trump administration’s withdrawal of aid to other countries to do more for African countries beyond election monitoring and security training.
Abbas made the call in Abuja on Wednesday when Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), visited him.
The Speaker described Wednesday as a day of history, as it was the second meeting with the EU and the first in 2025 to discuss issues between Nigeria and Europe.
He noted that the National Assembly, specifically the House, is a friend to the EU and is willing to cooperate and partner in all endeavours.
“I want to draw our attention to things the European Union can do better. You (the EU) have tried tremendously in terms of capacity, especially in areas of election monitoring, particularly in Nigeria. However, I see a somewhat uncomfortable trend on your side that the EU needs to address.
“Asia is fast approaching Africa. You should have dominant investments and stakes in Africa. However, what we have today is that most investments come from Asia. Less and fewer investments from the EU are being witnessed in Africa. I believe it is an area that we need to holistically look at and see how we can continue to make the EU more relevant to Nigeria and Africa. We have advanced in many areas of our relationship over the last 50 years.
“Just last week, we received the Ambassador of China to Nigeria, and the ambitious plans we heard him say about China and Nigeria, as well as Africa, are unprecedented. Some weeks ago, I also had the opportunity to meet with the Indian Ambassador, and I heard about their ambitious plans.
“We don’t hear much from the EU these days as far as Africa is concerned, perhaps, except in elections and security. However, regarding real investments, the EU is not progressing at the rate it should.
“We believe if there is any country or union that deserves to stamp its feet in Africa, it is the EU. So, I want to use this opportunity to urge that more and more collaboration needs to come onboard between Africa and the EU,” Abbas said.
Earlier, Ambassador Mignot noted that Nigeria is a key partner to the EU, not only for the future but also for the present, especially with the recent developments in the US under President Trump.
The ambassador said the EU is committed to partnerships with African countries, especially Nigeria, describing the country as a “trade and investment partner,” stressing that his continent will champion more investments, especially in Nigeria.
Ambassador Mignot noted that the areas of interest include science, information, and technology, while the EU would continue to offer humanitarian assistance to Nigeria. He added that a strengthened relationship with Nigeria would attract more sustainable investments and opportunities for Nigerians.
While noting that the parliament is the bastion of democracy, the EU envoy called for more collaboration between the EU Parliament and the Nigerian National Assembly.
Ambassador Mignot cited the Electoral Act as another area of interest to the EU, urging the National Assembly to improve Nigeria’s electoral framework. He also mentioned gender inclusion and participation in public affairs.
