Nigeria, European Union Strengthen Defence Ties Amid Growing Security Concerns
Abuja (Core Reporters) The European Union (EU) and Nigeria are moving towards further cementing their existing relations through improved defence engagements. This was disclosed by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, when he paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
This information is contained in a press statement by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba.
While congratulating the CDS on his appointment, the Ambassador stated the EU’s intention to support Nigeria in overcoming its security challenges.
He reiterated the importance of Nigeria to members of the European Union, with 19 out of 27 member states maintaining diplomatic representation in the country. The EU Ambassador highlighted many ongoing EU non-kinetic projects across Nigeria to support peacebuilding efforts.
He restated the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in the current complex moment, which is not limited to the military alone but includes broader areas, including governance and politics.
In his remarks, the CDS expressed gratitude for all that the EU does in support of Nigeria, which he said he is very much conversant with. The CDS was also full of appreciation for the EU’s plan to engage with Nigeria on the security front, as opposed to the existing arrangement of giving military support mainly to the Multinational Joint Task Force.
The CDS solicited the fast-tracking of the process, as Nigeria is grappling with multi-faceted security challenges and would therefore warmly welcome support from the EU in tackling the challenges.
