Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have taken a major step toward strengthening their economic partnership with the launch of the inaugural Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Trade and Investment Dialogue (TID) in Abuja.
The meeting, co-chaired by Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), and Ms. Dora Correia, Director of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE), brought together senior government officials from both sides to discuss trade, investment, and future cooperation.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR, said the dialogue underscored Nigeria’s determination to deepen its global trade footprint.
“This initiative reflects the growing importance both sides attach to trade and investment as a cornerstone of the EU-Nigeria partnership,” she said.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the dialogue as a platform to tackle challenges and expand opportunities.
“The EU remains a committed partner to Nigeria. Through this dialogue, we are building stronger foundations for sustainable trade and investment ties that benefit both our economies,” he noted.
The talks addressed a wide range of issues, including market access barriers, preferential trade arrangements, investment frameworks, regulatory cooperation, and collaboration within the World Trade Organization (WTO). Both sides also agreed to identify areas for trade and investment-related development cooperation.
Officials confirmed that the next round of the dialogue will take place in Brussels in 2026, at a date to be jointly determined.
The Nigeria-EU partnership currently spans education, governance, renewable energy, and digital innovation, but officials say this dialogue will allow for a sharper focus on investment-led growth.
RN
