The European Union has reiterated its respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, emphasizing that its partnership with the country is based on mutual trust rather than external political influence.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, made this known on Tuesday in Lagos during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). His comments followed recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump concerning alleged religious persecution in Nigeria.
Mignot explained that the EU’s relationship with Nigeria is grounded in long-standing cooperation and shared values.
“Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria – solidarity with victims of violence, with authorities working to protect citizens, and with the Nigerian people who overwhelmingly desire peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides,” he said.
He stressed that the EU and its member states fully uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality. According to him, the bloc remains ready to strengthen collaboration in peace, security, and defence through dialogue with government institutions, civil society, and religious and traditional leaders.
ALSO READ
Mignot added that the EU continues to fund peacebuilding initiatives aimed at fostering unity across the country.
“We also support programmes on deradicalisation, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-members of non-state armed groups in the North-East,” he said.
He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to protecting all communities, especially minorities, and ensuring freedom of religion and belief.
Acknowledging the human rights challenges Nigeria faces, Mignot noted that the country’s legal framework still provides for fundamental freedoms.
“The situation is not perfect, as in any country, but there exists a constitutional basis for the protection of human rights. It is up to Nigerian authorities and society as a whole to uphold and strengthen this environment of peaceful coexistence,” he stated.
He highlighted the EU’s collaboration with civil society groups on interfaith dialogue and reconciliation projects, noting that the Union’s assistance is inclusive and supports all victims of violence, regardless of background or motivation.
Mignot emphasized that the EU’s engagement with Nigeria is “steady and predictable,” driven by shared interests in a stable, democratic, and prosperous nation. He revealed that a peace, security, and defence dialogue between both parties would soon take place to deepen strategic cooperation.
He concluded that the EU’s guiding principle is to help Nigeria consolidate stability and growth, while reaffirming that the country’s destiny “lies firmly in the hands of Nigerians themselves.”
His remarks come in response to Trump’s social media posts urging Washington to cut aid to Nigeria and label the country a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged anti-Christian attacks.
