By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – In pure demonstration of diplomatic solidarity, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, on Thursday received a high-powered delegation of the European Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Mr. David McAllister, alongside the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Disclosing this in a statement on Friday on his X handle, the Special Adviser (Information and Strategy) to the President, Bayo Onanuga said the visit marks a major step in strengthening Nigeria–EU relations, reaffirming both sides’ commitment to deeper cooperation in trade, investment, democratic governance, and sustainable development under the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Strategy.
Welcoming the delegation, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry described the visit as “a reaffirmation of long-standing friendship and shared values.”
Speaking on behalf of the EU, Ambassador Gautier Mignot hailed the meeting as “an important milestone” in EU–Nigeria relations, emphasizing the European Parliament’s role in shaping global policy and reinforcing partnerships.
“The EU remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s development agenda,” Mignot said, underscoring Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa and its growing potential as a hub for sustainable growth.
Mr. David McAllister, leader of the European Parliamentary team, delivered a resounding message:
“We are here to underline one clear message — Nigeria matters. The European Union is one of Nigeria’s largest trade and investment partners, and our goal is to elevate this relationship to the next level.”
McAllister highlighted the recently launched EU–Nigeria Trade and Investment Dialogue as a landmark initiative to promote clean energy, strengthen manufacturing capacity, and drive economic diversification.
“This relationship is built not just on trade, but on shared democratic values and mutual prosperity,” he added.
In response, Minister Bagudu thanked the EU delegation for its steadfast partnership, noting that the visit came at a critical time when global multilateral cooperation faces new challenges.
“It is reassuring that the European Union continues to stand as a beacon of partnership and shared values,” he said.
The Minister outlined the Tinubu administration’s ongoing economic reforms focused on fiscal discipline, private-sector-led growth, and sustainable development.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set a clear target for Nigeria to achieve a $1 trillion GDP by 2030, with 86 percent of the required investment expected from the private sector,” Bagudu explained. “This is ambitious but achievable through partnerships such as ours with the EU.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Samoa Agreement, a key framework for enhanced cooperation under the Global Gateway initiative, stressing that Nigeria seeks collaboration—not aid.
“Nigeria is committed to rule-based governance and democratic values. We seek partnerships that empower both sides and create shared prosperity,” the Minister emphasized.
Bagudu also highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to promote lawful migration, climate-smart investments, and inclusive economic diversification, describing the EU as a critical partner in those pursuits.
The visit, observers say, signals a renewed era of strategic cooperation between Nigeria and the European Union — one rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a collective vision for prosperity.
