EU Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Sovereignty Amid US Pressure

The European Union has reaffirmed its respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, declaring that its cooperation with Africa’s largest democracy remains independent of any foreign influence.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, emphasized this stance in Lagos during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), following recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Mignot said the EU’s engagement with Nigeria is rooted in mutual respect and shared goals, not external pressure. “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 stated.

EU Stands Firm on Nigeria’s Sovereignty

The ambassador stressed that the EU and its member states “fully respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and its constitutional commitment to religious neutrality.”

This statement was a direct clarification of the bloc’s position amid heightened global attention following Trump’s call for the U.S. to reconsider its aid to Nigeria over alleged religious violence.

According to Mignot, the EU remains guided by its long-standing partnership with Nigeria, focusing on peace, stability, and inclusive development.

He said the bloc’s cooperation with Nigeria is “not driven by what others do but by a shared interest in a stable, prosperous, and democratic Nigeria.”

Commitment to Peace and Security

Mignot disclosed that the EU plans to deepen its cooperation with Nigeria through an upcoming peace, security, and defence dialogue. This initiative, he said, aims to enhance collaboration with Nigerian authorities and strengthen institutional frameworks that promote stability and security.

“We are ready to enhance our support in peace, security, and defence matters, as well as through dialogue with all stakeholders, including civil society organisations and traditional and religious leaders,” he said.

The EU, he added, is also funding several peacebuilding initiatives across the country to promote inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony.

Focus on Human Rights and Deradicalisation

Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s support for Nigeria’s deradicalisation, demobilisation, and reintegration programmes for former members of non-state armed groups in the North-East. “We also support programmes on deradicalisation, demobilisation, and reintegration of ex-members of non-state armed groups in the North-East,” he said.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s ongoing human rights challenges but noted that the country’s legal and institutional framework 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 said.

EU’s Non-Discriminatory Support

The ambassador highlighted that the EU’s assistance is inclusive and non-discriminatory, covering “all victims of violence irrespective of the motives.” He said the EU continues to partner with civil society organisations on projects promoting interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding among diverse religious communities.

Mignot concluded by reiterating that Nigeria’s future “lies firmly in the hands of Nigerians themselves,” and the EU’s guiding principle is to help reinforce the country’s stability, prosperity, and democratic values.