By Temitope Mustapha, Abuja
ABUJA, Oct 19, 2023 – President Bola Tinubu has called for a deepened cross-sectoral partnership between Nigeria and the European Union (EU), built on the pillars of democracy, the rule of law, and freedom.
During a visit from an EU delegation led by Ms. Jutta Urpilainen, the EU Commissioner responsible for International Partnerships, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude for the endorsement of eight financial agreements between Nigeria and the EU. These agreements fall under the EU Global Gateway initiative in Nigeria.
“Democracy is not an easy process, but we must fight for democracy and strive for its triumph at all times,” said President Tinubu.
The President emphasized the importance of economic collaboration with the EU, particularly in the fields of digital education, conventional and sustainable energy, and broadband accessibility.
President Tinubu also informed the visiting delegation that Nigeria’s economy was undergoing significant and lasting reforms with the aim of lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty.
“We have a young and vibrant population, and we are determined to succeed. If we succeed, democracy succeeds. If we succeed, freedom succeeds,” the President added.
In her remarks, the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships commended Nigeria for playing a crucial role as a key partner of the EU, not only in politics and economics but also in shaping the social landscape across the African continent.
The EU Commissioner clarified that over the past four years, the EU has actively worked to reshape its relationship with Africa, moving away from the traditional donor-recipient dynamic.
She expressed that the EU aims to establish a balanced and mutually beneficial collaboration, with the “Global Gateway” investment program serving as a prominent example of this approach.
The EU Commissioner noted that this strategy, agreed upon at the AU-EU Summit in Brussels last year, sets a goal of €300 billion in investments, with €150 billion allocated to Africa.
Thanking President Tinubu for Nigeria’s significant role in supplying essential energy products during the recent standoff with Russia, the EU Commissioner highlighted the potential for expanding the oil and gas partnership. She also emphasized that the “Global Gateway” strategy is designed to expedite the green and digital transformations in EU partner countries, with Nigeria being one of the most strategic counterparts.
“We are investing in critical infrastructure such as energy, transportation, and digital infrastructure, as well as in human capital, education, and research,” she said.
Other key members of the EU delegation present during the visit included Ms. Samuela Isopi, Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Ms. Rita Laranjinha, Managing Director of the Africa and European External Action Service (EEAS); Ms. Lora Borissova, Africa Advisor, Cabinet of EU; and Ms. Maria Pilar Palmero Vaquero, Head of Unit for Western Africa, Directorate-General International Partnerships (DG INTPA).
