By Milcah Tanimu
The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed its readiness to enhance bilateral relations with the European Union (EU) in the field of security cooperation. This announcement was made in a statement released by Mr. Hope Attari, Acting Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.
During a meeting at the Ship House in Abuja, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, conveyed Nigeria’s keen interest in revitalizing its partnership with the EU and reinforcing collaboration with the union in addressing issues related to violent extremism, maintaining peace and security, and promoting regional cooperation.
Minister Badaru emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing and the acquisition of security equipment from the EU to combat the various security challenges facing Nigeria. These challenges include banditry in the North West and North Central regions, the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, oil vandalism in the South-South, regional tensions in the South East, and overall insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea and the Lake Chad region.
Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, emphasized Nigeria’s role as the “Giant of Africa” and underscored the country’s need for EU cooperation in addressing the security issues plaguing the nation. He stressed that Nigeria’s security is integral to the stability of Africa and called for EU support in the fight against insecurity within the country.
The Head of the EU delegation, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Actions Service (EEAS), Helena Konig, explained that the purpose of their visit was to identify Nigeria’s security priorities where the EU could provide assistance. She highlighted that these priority areas would be discussed in depth during an upcoming high-level ministerial meeting.
Konig expressed the EU’s desire to work closely with Nigeria on counterterrorism efforts to stabilize the region, acknowledging Nigeria’s significant role in maintaining territorial integrity within Africa. This collaboration aims to enhance security and promote peace not only within Nigeria but across the entire African continent.
Leave a Reply