Nigeria, EU to Strengthen Ties in Trade, Security, Others

By ifeoma Onyekachi

Foreign Affairs Minister highlights expanding partnership as stakeholders stress urgency of climate action and global cooperation

Nigeria and the European Union are set to deepen bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including trade, security, education and technology, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has said.

The minister made this known in Abuja on Thursday during the 4th Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Memorial Lecture, where she reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with the European bloc.

According to a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, the lecture focused on pressing global issues, including security challenges, economic uncertainties, climate change and evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that Nigeria’s collaboration with the European Union continues to deliver measurable gains in trade, governance, education, security cooperation and capacity building.

“This partnership continues to yield tangible benefits in critical sectors,” she said, adding that Nigeria remains committed to playing a leading role in promoting peace, security and development within ECOWAS and across the African continent.

She emphasized that Nigeria’s foreign policy is guided by mutual respect, non-interference, strategic alliances and the protection of national interests.

Reflecting on the legacy of her late husband, Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted his early appreciation for environmental sustainability, noting his passion for tree planting and respect for ecological balance long before climate advocacy gained global momentum.

She urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his legacy by promoting unity, justice and inclusive development, while also investing in education, youth empowerment and strong institutions.

Delivering the guest lecture, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the minister as a key driver of Nigeria-EU relations. He stressed that while climate action may be costly, inaction would have far more severe consequences.

The memorial lecture formed part of activities marking the institution’s Founders’ Day, honouring the legacy of Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the late Igbo leader and former Biafran wartime head of state after whom the university is named.