Gautier Mignot, the European Union (EU)  Ambassador to Nigeria, has expressed commitment to strengthen existing partnerships and contract new ones with the Nigerian government.

Mr Mignot, who recently assumed his role as EU Ambassador to Nigeria, made the commitment during a media parley on Monday in Abuja.

He shared his vision on how to enhance the existing and new EU-Nigeria partnerships.

He described Nigeria as a key player in Africa and the world, and emphasised the EU’s commitment to being a reliable partner for the nation.

According to him, his priorities include fostering structured economic relations, as well as promoting trade and investment.

He said that the  EU would also  focus on sectors like the green economy, digital technology, agri-food, and healthcare.

He also said that  there were plans to address the specific needs of Northern Nigeria, enhance peace, security collaboration, and create opportunities in education and research.

He added that the EU also aimed to address migration challenges , issues such as human trafficking, migrant reintegration, and legal migration pathways that align with the interests of both parties.

“There will be a consultation on global and regional issues as the EU is already a main supporter of ECOWAS on all issues.

“We want to partner more closely with the Nigerian authorities, at Federal and local levels, and listen to their expectations, strategies and needs,” he said.

He identified two aspects of EU’s mission  in Nigeria.

“We are  giving  more visibility to what  the EU has   already achieved in Nigeria and with Nigeria,  and also  endorsing new initiatives and projects in order to explore the potential of these  partnerships.

“We have a global and strong partnership between both countries, and it is based on  shared values, human rights and rule of law, democracy, and international law. 

“These are  based on common interest, and we are very transparent on the  interest of  Nigeria and the EU in these partnerships,” he said.

He said that there were  new initiatives and projects to be strengthened, adding that the EU will want a better structure in trade and investment partnerships, direct foreign investment and  economic relations. 

“We want  to achieve these partnerships through better  structures in economic relations and dialogue to  address  and   remove the issues that  hamper more European  investments in Nigeria and Europe trading.

“Currently, there is no  agreement and no dialogue framework between  the Nigerian government on trade and economic issues,” he said. 

He  said that the EU also wanted to focus on creating more jobs, especially for young people in Nigeria.

Mr Mignot, therefore reiterated the EU’s dedication to Nigeria’s growth and stability.

(NAN)