The European Parliament has vowed to strengthen collaboration with Nigeria in addressing security challenges, managing migration, and advancing sustainable development, describing the nation as a key strategic partner in Africa.
The European Parliament has vowed to strengthen collaboration with Nigeria in addressing security challenges, managing migration, and advancing sustainable development, describing the nation as a key strategic partner in Africa.
He said the visit underscored the EU’s commitment to building a stronger partnership with Nigeria under what he described as the “Team Europe approach.”
“Our visit to Nigeria illustrates the willingness of the European Union’s institutions — and, in this case, the European Parliament — to strengthen relations between Nigeria and the European Union,” MacAllister said.
“We reciprocally need each other as reliable and consistent partners, committed to multilateralism, international law, human rights, and a fairer and more sustainable world.”
MacAllister, who led a six-member delegation from five EU member states, said discussions with Nigerian officials focused on peacebuilding, migration management, and economic cooperation.
“Our interest is to have a prosperous, stable, and democratic West Africa — and, in particular, a strong and stable Nigeria,” he explained. “We need Nigeria to partner with us to defend our common values, manage migration flows, and promote peace and development. Nigeria matters to the European Union.”
He also disclosed that the EU is supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity through several peace and security initiatives, including programmes on disarmament, deradicalization, reintegration, and peacebuilding.
MacAllister observed that terrorism in Nigeria is not driven solely by ideology, saying, “Many factors contribute to it, such as inequality, youth unemployment, communal conflicts, weak governance, and environmental stress. We expect that all groups and vulnerable communities will be adequately protected by the Nigerian authorities.”
On migration and humanitarian issues, the EU lawmaker expressed concern about the malnutrition crisis and migration pressures in parts of northern Nigeria, stressing that addressing humanitarian needs would help reduce irregular migration.
“We are deeply concerned about the malnutrition crisis, especially in the North-East and North-West,” he said. “Thousands of children’s lives are at stake. While the EU stands with Nigeria, greater commitment from federal and state governments is urgently needed.”
He noted that managing migration requires addressing its root causes by creating jobs and improving access to education and healthcare.
“We must work together to tackle the factors driving people to migrate irregularly,” he added. “Sustainable development remains the surest path to reducing migration pressure.”
On development and investment, MacAllister reaffirmed that the European Union remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner and top source of foreign direct investment, contributing roughly one-third of the nation’s total FDI.
