Brussels, 19 July 2022 (TDI): The Council of the European Union (EU) announced assistance worth €25 million to Nigeria, under the European Peace Facility.
We’re adopting a new assistance measure worth €25 million under the European Peace Facility to support the Nigerien Armed Forces, to help them defend their territorial integrity & sovereignty and protect the civilian population against terrorist threats.https://t.co/EBQXKaWWYK
— European External Action Service – EEAS 🇪🇺 (@eu_eeas) July 18, 2022
Objectives of the EU assistance
To strengthen the resilience and the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
To enable the forces to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Also, to better protect the civilians against terrorist threats.
The agreed EU assistance will also finance the establishment of the Armed Forces Technician Training Centre. It also reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting Niger. The duration of this assistance measure will be 3 years.
The EU established the European Peace Facility (EPF) in 2021. It was adopted to finance all Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) military and defense actions.
The EPF allows the EU to finance actions to strengthen third states as well as, regional and international organizations regarding defense matters.
EU-Nigeria Relations
Recently, in June, EU Ambassador in Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, inaugurated the ‘Team Europe Initiative (TEI) Green Economy’ project. The project was launched at the 8th EU-Nigeria Business Forum.
Launched 🇪🇺🇳🇬 Business Forum with @jidesanwoolu @ClemAgba #EU is 🇳🇬 largest trading partner and investor.Creating an enabling environment for the private sector to invest is the way to unlock 🇳🇬 economic potential and achieve real sustainable development. Ready to do our part! pic.twitter.com/WdcqHce3TU
— Samuela Isopi (@SamuelaIsopiEU) June 30, 2022
Moreover, the EU and Nigeria also adopted a political framework called “the EU-Nigeria Joint Way Forward” to deepen their relationship in 2008.
The EU has strong trade relations with Nigeria. It remains one of the significant Niger trading partners for oil and other exports.
Furthermore, the EU supports international relief organizations working in Nigeria through European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid. The EU has granted a total of €285 for humanitarian assistance there since 2010.
Response to COVID
The EU has supported Nigeria in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. The support is provided by combining resources from the EU, and European financial institutions, under the ‘Team Europe’ initiative.
Furthermore, at the onset of the Pandemic, the EU rapidly provided €50 million to escalate the national response. Furthermore, The European Union has also supported the rollout of vaccines with $14.5 million in Nigeria
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