Nigeria and the European Union (EU) are considering deeper collaboration on peace, security and defence, aiming to strengthen their bilateral relationship and tackle common challenges.
The minister of interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated yesterday in Abuja that the ministry was adopting a multi-pronged strategy to ensure internal security, with emphasis on identity management, border security, visa processing and document authentication.
He spoke at a meeting with the head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, in his office in Abuja.
He said the ministry was decentralising identity management to improve accessibility and efficiency, particularly for people in rural areas.
“Both sides are looking to develop joint strategies to address issues like terrorism, organised crime and humanitarian crises, with the goal of creating a more secure and resilient environment,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo added that the focus was on enhancing cooperation to combat security threats, promote stability and support peacebuilding initiatives.
He noted that in terms of border security, the ministry had made considerable progress, covering 60 per cent of the land border with its electronic border solution, and was working towards automating the remaining borders.
Additionally, the minister highlighted the introduction of an e-visa system designed to streamline the visa process for short-stay visitors.
This system will allow applicants to apply for visas online and receive them via email, eliminating the need for physical visits to embassies or application centers.
He also highlighted the ministry’s development of a Centralised Citizens Integrity and Document Authentication System (CCIDAS), which will serve as a unified platform for verifying Nigerian documents, combating document fraud, and facilitating the authentication of Nigerian documents by foreign nations.
Earlier, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, stressed the importance of strengthening Nigeria-EU relations for a brighter future, particularly in areas such as peace, security, defense, and migration.
Ambassador Mignot noted that this commitment was reaffirmed during a meeting between the EU representatives and the Nigerian President, highlighting the importance of a strong and enduring partnership between both entities.
He expressed the EU’s recognition of Nigeria’s vast potential and their eagerness to expand the existing relationship, creating a more comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership.
Ambassador Mignot emphasised the need for collaboration between the EU and Nigeria to address shared challenges and seize emerging opportunities as the world evolves rapidly.
Key areas of cooperation , according to him will include peace, security, and defense, with the EU and Nigeria working together to enhance regional peace and security, aiming to build a more robust and resilient partnership.
