The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has received a 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, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The high-level visit underscored the deepening partnership between Nigeria and the European Union and reaffirmed the mutual commitment to advancing cooperation in trade, investment, democratic governance, and sustainable development under the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Strategy.
In his welcome remarks, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, warmly welcomed the delegation, noting that the visit was a reaffirmation of long-standing friendship and shared values.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Ambassador Gautier Mignot described the visit as an important milestone in EU–Nigeria relations, emphasizing the role of the European Parliament in shaping policy, adopting budgets, and supervising EU actions across the world.
He reaffirmed the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development agenda, highlighting the importance of Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa and its potential as a hub for sustainable growth.
The leader of the visiting delegation, Mr. David McAllister, commended Nigeria’s leadership and reiterated the European Parliament’s readiness to strengthen relations with the country.
“We are here to underline one clear message,Nigeria matters,” McAllister said. “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.”
He noted that the EU–Nigeria Trade and Investment Dialogue launched earlier this year was a landmark step towards promoting clean energy, strengthening manufacturing capacity, and supporting sustainable economic diversification.
“We look forward to taking back to Brussels a strong message that our partnership with Nigeria must grow deeper and broader,” he added. “This is a relationship built not only on trade, but on shared democratic values and mutual prosperity.”
In his response, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, thanked the delegation for their visit and commended the EU’s consistent partnership with Nigeria, particularly at a time when global multilateral cooperation is being tested.
“This visit comes at a time when multilateralism is being challenged around the world. It is therefore reassuring that the European Union continues to stand as a beacon of partnership and shared values,” the Minister stated.
Senator Bagudu outlined the Nigerian Government’s ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing fiscal consolidation, private-sector-led growth, and sustainable development.
“Our President has set a clear target for Nigeria to achieve a one trillion-dollar GDP by 2030,” he noted. “To realize this, about 86 percent of the required investment will come from the private sector. This is ambitious, but achievable through partnerships such as ours with the European Union.”
He further noted Nigeria’s commitment to the ratification of the Samoa Agreement, which serves as a foundation for enhanced cooperation under the Global Gateway framework.
“Nigeria is committed to rule-based governance and democratic values. We believe in partnerships that empower both sides,” Senator Bagudu emphasized. “We do not seek aid; we seek collaboration. Our goal is to create opportunities that benefit Nigerians and our partners alike.”
The Minister concluded by highlighting Nigeria’s efforts to foster lawful migration, climate-smart investments, and inclusive economic diversification, describing the EU as a critical partner in those areas.
