By Stellamaries Amuwa
The Head of the European Union (EU) delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Samuela Isopi has disclosed that EU cooperation with Nigeria tops global rankings whether in the energy and climate, digital, innovation, health or entrepreneurship areas.
Isopi made this known during the reception to mark the occasion of Europe Day 2024, in Abuja.
According to the Ambassador, “the cooperation is further amplified by our joint work with EU Member States and EU financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank as Team Europe, which combines our strengths across most areas of cooperation.
“In line with the Global Gateway strategy, EU cooperation is now targeting critical public and private investments, thereby providing the necessary instruments to make such investments viable and sustainable. In the health sector, besides continuous support to public actors at the federal and state levels, our support includes the mobilisation of public and private sector investors towards increased local manufacturing of vaccines and other health products.
She said on the political front, “While working with the National Assembly and government at the Federal and State levels, we remain a strong advocate and support the need for a vibrant civil society, which provides a unique opportunity to promote change and accountability. The EU continues to stand by Nigeria, by its regional partners and by ECOWAS and remains committed to supporting the region in building a community for the people.”
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu in his goodwill message said the value of trade between Nigeria and the EU has increased consistently, demonstrating the potential for even greater collaboration.
Kalu reiterated that Nigeria is prepared to provide an encouraging environment for investment.
He said: “The European Union is one of our most significant trading partners, and our economic ties have grown steadily. The value of trade between Nigeria and the EU has increased consistently, demonstrating the potential for even greater collaboration. The EU is Nigeria’s largest trading partner, accounting for 20.9 % of Nigeria’s global trade. As of September 2023, the EU’s bilateral trade with Nigeria has surpassed £45 billion.
“As we look to the future, Nigeria is committed to engendering an environment encouraging investment and trade with our European partners”.
