ABUJA – The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, has challenged Nigeria to claim its place as a top recipient of the Horizon Europe research programme, while simultaneously announcing stepped-up defense cooperation between the EU and the Nigerian government.
Speaking on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Mignot revealed that Nigeria currently trails countries like Uganda in securing funding and project selections from the EU’s flagship research and innovation initiative.
”Nigeria is coming after Uganda, for instance,” Mignot stated, citing data from the EU’s performance dashboard. “I think Nigeria has the potential to overcome Uganda and certainly get in the top three. That’s where I would like to see Nigeria in a couple of years.”
Strengthening Defense Ties
Addressing Nigeria’s domestic security concerns, the Ambassador highlighted the recent inaugural Peace, Security, and Defense Dialogue held in Brussels between the EU and Nigeria. Mignot emphasized that the EU is prepared to support Nigeria through both kinetic (military) and non-kinetic measures.
Drawing a comparison to Colombia’s peace process, Mignot stressed that tackling non-state armed groups requires a multi-faceted approach.
”It’s all about coordination of intelligence, coordination of security agencies, the reform of the security sector, and international cooperation,” he said.
Update on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Turning to global affairs, Mignot dismissed recent rhetoric from the Kremlin as “bluffing.” As the conflict enters its fourth year, the Ambassador characterized the invasion as a “total failure” for President Vladimir Putin, noting that the Russian military has failed to achieve its initial objective of a swift conquest.
Key highlights on the EU’s stance include:
- New Sanctions: The EU is currently preparing a 20th package of sanctions against Russia to further cripple its war economy.
- Infrastructure Attacks: Mignot condemned the targeting of civilian power infrastructure, describing it as an attempt to “weaponize winter.”
- Unified Front: Despite internal negotiations—specifically mentioning the need for consensus among member states like Hungary—Mignot expressed confidence that the EU remains united in its support for Ukraine.
- Resource Depletion: The Ambassador noted that Russia is increasingly running out of military and human resources, necessitating more pressure on nations supplying Russia with military equipment, such as Iran and China.