EU to launch €300m projects in north-west, north-east in 2025

The European Union (EU) has announced plans to launch new projects worth €300 million in Nigeria’s north-west and north-east regions in 2025.

Gautier Mignot, the EU ambassador to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), spoke on Friday at the 2025 annual Europe Day celebration in Abuja.

Mignot said the EU and Nigeria share a dream of a better, rule-based, more prosperous, sustainable, equal world, and for the dream to come true, Nigerians have a major role to play in Africa and the world.

“Since my arrival last September, I see a concrete progress daily in our partnership, in particular, through the roll-out of our EU Global Gateway strategy to offer more opportunities to the people,” he said.

“Especially, the women and the youth, and through the €300 million of new projects that we are launching this year in the north-west and north-east of the country.

“I also see our common willingness to enhance our relations, particularly in trade and investment, for which we are proud to be your number one partner.

“In this fast-changing world, the EU is for Nigeria a stable and reliable partner, and so is Nigeria for us.”

The ambassador also said the EU is building a partnership with ECOWAS and seeking a similar alliance with Africa, with EU foreign ministers set to meet in Brussels to prepare for the EU-AU summit.

“The summit will be held later this year and to also celebrate our 25 years of partnership, which is second to none in all areas,” Mignot added.

BAGUDU COMMENDS EU FOR NEW PROJECTS INVESTMENT

On his part, Atiku Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning, commended the EU for dedicating €300 million to new projects in the north-west and north-east regions.

The minister noted that the partnership and values the EU and the country share have helped address restiveness through empowerment initiatives for Nigerian youths.

“Today is not just the affirmation of values that transcends border, peace, solidarity, mutual respect and partnership for sustainable development,” Bagudu said.

“These are values which the EU has championed and which Nigeria, the largest economy and democracy, both shares.

“Over 60 years, the relationship between EU and Nigeria has flourished in depth and breadth from trade, investment to governance reforms, public health, education, digital economy and climate action.

“The EU intervention in the Niger Delta and the North-East in supporting peace building initiatives and the restoration of livelihood and youth empowerment programmes has helped to reduce restiveness and in educational challenges.”

Bagudu added that in recent years, the EU continue to be a strategic partner in Nigeria’s developmental priorities, including the national development plan 2021–2025 and the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.