The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, hosted the Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Gautier Mignot, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, September 17, 2026, to review and deepen bilateral relations.

?The high-level meeting encompassed a broad spectrum of mutual interests, including regional security in West Africa, migration management, preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, multilateral diplomacy, and sustainable development initiatives.

?During discussions on democratic stability, both envoys reaffirmed the necessity of transparent, peaceful, and inclusive electoral processes across West Africa, emphasizing sustained support for ECOWAS.

Ambassador Mignot briefed the Minister on the EU’s strategy for Nigeria’s 2027 elections, confirming the deployment of a dedicated expert mission alongside ongoing technical assistance for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and the National Assembly.

Key focus areas include voter education, public confidence building, and ensuring full electoral accessibility for persons with disabilities.

?On migration management, the EU Ambassador reported technical progress toward formalizing a comprehensive readmission agreement, building on existing framework arrangements with individual EU member states.

Both sides underscored the importance of legal migration pathways, combatting human trafficking, and upholding human dignity through continued technical consultations.

?The bilateral review also highlighted wider global initiatives, such as the Global Green Bond Initiative, the Electrify Now program, and commitments to freedom of navigation.

These efforts align directly with Nigeria’s national development agenda regarding clean energy access, climate resilience, and economic growth.

?Additionally, both parties exchanged perspectives on pressing international developments, reiterating their commitment to a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and addressing the global impact of the conflict in Ukraine on food security and commodity markets.

Ambassador Mignot also outlined several EU-backed cultural and youth programs in Nigeria, including support for entrepreneurs in the North-West, the Lagos Biennial for Contemporary Arts, and the Abuja Festival for Literature and Ideas.

?In response, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended the EU’s sustained partnership, emphasizing that cooperation must yield tangible, measurable outcomes that directly advance Nigeria’s national priorities.

Both diplomats agreed to maintain regular diplomatic exchanges and accelerate follow-ups to ensure the effective implementation of all joint commitments.