European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner has held a series of high-level meetings with senior Nigerian government officials in Abuja as the European Union moves to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria on migration, security and regional stability.
During the visit, Brunner met with Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Bernard Doro.
The discussions focused on growing collaboration between Nigeria and the European Union, particularly in migration management and security.
The engagement comes as both sides seek to build on existing agreements and institutional cooperation involving European agencies such as Europol, Eurojust and Frontex.
The European Union recently allocated €66 million for migration-related projects in Nigeria, aimed at supporting efforts in migration management and related areas.
Security cooperation also featured prominently in the talks. The EU has allocated €26 million for security initiatives, including programmes targeting the proliferation of small arms and drug trafficking.
In addition, the bloc recently approved a €20 million support package under the European Peace Facility to assist Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, marking the first bilateral assistance measure extended to the country through the facility.
The visit follows recent diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and the European Union and reflects the growing scope of relations between both partners.
Beyond migration and security, discussions also touched on opportunities for broader cooperation in areas including regional economic development and trade.
Brunner described Nigeria as an important partner for Europe and said both sides were working to translate dialogue into practical cooperation on shared priorities.
