The European Union (EU) and Nigeria have announced a strategic shift in their security relationship, moving to consolidate defense ties through direct military engagement and expanded non-kinetic support.
The new direction was unveiled on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, Ambassador Mignot congratulated General Oluyede on his appointment and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to assisting Nigeria in overcoming its current security challenges.
Ambassador Mignot emphasized that Nigeria remains a critical partner for the European bloc, noting that 19 of the 27 EU member states maintain diplomatic missions in the country.
He highlighted that the EU’s support would extend beyond traditional military aid to include “non-kinetic” projects focused on peacebuilding, governance, and political stability.
“The EU is committed to supporting Nigeria in this complex moment,” the Ambassador stated, adding that current efforts are aimed at a holistic approach to security that addresses both the symptoms and root causes of instability.
Responding, the Chief of Defence Staff expressed gratitude for the EU’s long-standing partnership but specifically lauded the plan to pivot toward direct engagement with the Nigerian Armed Forces. Historically, much of the EU’s military support has been channeled through regional entities, most notably the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
General Oluyede noted that the shift to a bilateral security arrangement is a timely response to the nation’s “multi-faceted” security landscape.
He urged the EU to fast-track the implementation of these new defense agreements, citing the urgency required to tackle the various threats currently facing the country.
The meeting concluded with both parties pledging to deepen cooperation, signaling a more robust and direct role for the European Union in Nigeria’s domestic security architecture.
