The European Union has restated its firm support for Nigeria’s sovereignty, pledging deeper cooperation in peacebuilding, security, interfaith dialogue, and human rights protection.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, made the remarks in Lagos during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in response to recent public statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting possible U.S. military intervention in Nigeria.
Mignot described the EU’s position as one rooted in decades of partnership and shared values—not external influence or geopolitical pressure.
“Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria,” he said. “Solidarity with the victims of violence, with authorities working to protect citizens, and with Nigerians who overwhelmingly desire peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides. We fully respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality.”
The ambassador noted that the EU is prepared to expand its support in national security and peace efforts, working with government institutions, civil society, traditional rulers, and religious leaders.
He highlighted ongoing EU-backed programmes across Nigeria, particularly in the North-East, focused on de-radicalisation, demobilisation, and reintegration of ex-members of armed groups. The EU, he said, places emphasis on protecting all communities and ensuring freedom of religion and belief.
“The situation is not perfect, as in any country,” Mignot acknowledged. “But Nigeria has a constitutional foundation that protects human rights. It is up to Nigerian authorities and society as a whole to uphold and strengthen that environment of coexistence.”
He stressed that the EU’s support is non-discriminatory and geared toward reducing violence regardless of the motives behind it.
Mignot also revealed that a high-level peace, security, and defence dialogue between Nigeria and the EU is expected soon, aiming to deepen strategic cooperation.
“Our engagement with Nigeria is steady and predictable. It is not shaped by what others say or do,” he said. “It is shaped by a shared interest in a stable, prosperous, and democratic Nigeria. The country’s future lies firmly in the hands of Nigerians themselves.”
