Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have moved to strengthen defence and security cooperation as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, disclosed this on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Ambassador Mignot, who congratulated the CDS on his appointment, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in tackling insecurity. He described Nigeria as a strategic partner to the European Union, noted that 19 of the bloc’s 27 member states currently maintain diplomatic missions in the country.
He said the EU is implementing several non-kinetic programmes across Nigeria aimed at strengthening peacebuilding and stability, adding that the Union’s support goes beyond military assistance to include governance, political processes and institutional development.
According to the Ambassador, the EU remains committed to standing with Nigeria at a critical period, as the country confronts complex security and governance challenges.
In his remarks, General Oluyede expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support and understanding of Nigeria’s security environment. He welcomed the EU’s plan to expand its engagement with Nigeria on defence and security matters, beyond its current focus on the Multinational Joint Task Force.
The CDS called for the fast-tracking of the proposed cooperation, stressed that Nigeria is faced with multifaceted security threats and would benefit from enhanced and timely support from the European Union.
