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Tag: European Union

  • EU delists Nigeria: Another global validation of Renewed Hope Reforms

    EU delists Nigeria: Another global validation of Renewed Hope Reforms

    The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has  welcomed the decision of the European Union to remove Nigeria from its list of “high-risk third-country jurisdictions” for money laundering and terrorism financing.

     The party in a statement signed by its spokesman Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo, said the decisive action, which also affects South Africa, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mozambique, and Tanzania, is a powerful endorsement of Nigeria’s reform trajectory and a clear affirmation that the country is moving steadily in the right direction.

    The statement reads: “This delisting is not accidental. It reflects sustained improvements in Nigeria’s financial governance architecture, strengthened regulatory oversight, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and a renewed commitment to transparency and compliance with global standards. It validates the painstaking reforms undertaken by the Federal Government to tighten safeguards, improve enforcement, and align Nigeria with international best practices.

     “Beyond symbolism, the implications are profound. Nigeria’s removal from the high-risk list restores confidence among international investors, eases cross-border transactions, reduces compliance burdens for Nigerian businesses, and enhances access to global financial systems. It sends an unmistakable signal that Nigeria is open for business-credibly, responsibly, and competitively.”

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    For the opposition, the statement said “this development is inconvenient. It punctures the long-running narrative of demarketing Nigeria abroad and exposes the hollowness of incessant predictions of doom. While some continue to talk the country down, the facts-verified by independent international institutions-tell a different story of progress, discipline, and reform.

    “The Lagos APC commends the Federal Government for its resolve and focus, and urges Nigerians to take pride in this milestone. Governance is a marathon, not a sprint; but each credible validation strengthens confidence and accelerates momentum. Nigeria’s global standing is improving, not because of rhetoric, but because of measurable actions and outcomes.

     “We call on all stakeholders to rally behind this progress, deepen reforms, and reject the politics of pessimism. The message from Europe is clear: Nigeria is regaining trust, credibility, and respect on the world stage.”

  • EU unveils initiative to equip women with digital skills

    EU unveils initiative to equip women with digital skills

    The European Union has launched the Women Venture Studio Digital Innovation Hub aimed at boosting economic inclusion by equipping women with the digital skills, networks, and market access needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

    Positioned to transform the entrepreneurial landscape of northern Nigeria, the initiative is celebrated as a strategic milestone because it emphasizes digital capabilities, sustainable business models, and circular fashion.

    Speaking at the launch in Kano, Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz, underscored the power of cross-sector collaboration in unlocking local potential.

    Stefanowicz noted that the initiative merges innovation with Kano’s long-standing creative traditions.

    She said, “The European Union is proud to be behind this initiative, but it is the local partners, like the Blue Sapphire Hub, the local women business association, academia, and many other women businesses and innovators, who are truly bringing this vision to life.

    “We are here to support, but it is you, the innovators, the entrepreneurs, and the communities, who will carry this work forward.”

    Stefanowicz noted Kano’s historical significance and its evolving role in technology-driven enterprise, saying, “Kano is a cultural melting pot, known for its creativity and now poised to become a centre for digital innovation.”

    She added, “The Women Venture Studio is an example of how we can bring together the richness of local heritage and the transformative power of technology to drive economic growth and women’s empowerment.”

    Also speaking, Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzoi, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women in technology.

    Gwarzoi said, “Empowering women is not just a policy for us. It is a catalyst for Kano State’s digital future. Our full support for the Women Venture Studio Digital Innovation Hub reflects our commitment to ensuring that women stand at the forefront of innovation, entrepreneurship, and lasting economic growth.”

    The deputy governor emphasized the state’s drive to enhance skills development across its 44 local government areas

    “We believe their ideas, resilience, and leadership will shape a more inclusive and technologically advanced Kano State. Initiatives like the Women Venture Studio and SheCode embody the future we are building, one where no woman is left behind,” the deputy governor added.

    Lead Partner, Women Venture Studio, Mariam Lawan Gwadabe, described the initiative as a product of persistence and belief in women’s economic potential.

    Gwadabe said, “Nothing truly worthwhile ever comes easily, and this is a lesson that has guided me throughout this journey. As we launch the Women Venture Studio today, it is a testament to years of dedication, collaboration, and the unwavering belief that we can create something transformative for women in northern Nigeria.”

    Gwadabe highlighted how the hub’s focus on circular fashion is rooted in Kano’s textile identity

    “Kano has long been known as the Manchester of textiles in West Africa. With the Women Venture Studio, our goal is to revive this legacy, using digital technologies and circular economy principles to empower women entrepreneurs in the fashion industry and create sustainable opportunities,” Gwadabe added.

    Also speaking at the event, Country Lead, Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria, Thuweba Diwali, described the hub as a targeted investment in inclusive growth.

    Diwali said, “With the establishment of the Women Venture Studio, we are proud to have taken another step towards a well-equipped supporting structure for MSMEs in Kano and the northwest region of Nigeria.”

    Represented by Daniel Ritter, he commended the partners for “never stopping driving and pushing to reach this moment today.”

    The Women Venture Studio marks a major addition to the EU’s broader agenda of supporting digital transformation and private sector development in Nigeria.

    Its long-term aim is to prove that targeted investment in women innovators can stimulate sustainable economic growth beginning in Kano and scaling across the country.

  • EU pledges €15.5b for clean energy in Africa

    EU pledges €15.5b for clean energy in Africa

    The European Union (EU) has secured a fresh pledge of €15.5 billion to power a clean future across Africa.

    This includes a pledge made by President Von der Leyen, on behalf of Team Europe, of over €10 billion, as well as significant additional bilateral contributions by European financial institutions, member states, and their Development Finance Institutions, and estimated private investment mobilised.

    This follows a year-long campaign to mobilise investments in renewable energy in Africa, led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

    The campaign, organised in collaboration with the international advocacy organization Global Citizen and with the policy support of the International Energy Agency, was aimed at driving public and private investment in supporting the clean energy transition in Africa, expanding access to electricity, and promoting Africa’s sustainable economic growth and decarbonised industrialisation.

    Speaking on the fund, President von der Leyen said, “Today, the world has stepped up for Africa. With €15.5 billion, we are turbocharging Africa’s clean-energy transition. Millions more people could gain access to electricity, real, life-changing power for families, for businesses, for entire communities. This investment is a surge of opportunity: thriving markets, new jobs, and reliable, clean energy that meets the needs of partners across the globe. President Ramaphosa and I both look forward to a clean-energy future for the continent. A future led by Africa, with strong support from its friend and partner, Europe.”

    The Team Europe package announced by President von der Leyen includes new Global Gateway projects co-financed with contributions from Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain, as well as the European Investment Bank (€2.1 billion) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (€740 million). In addition, Italy (€2.4 billion), Germany (over €2 billion), the Netherlands including FMO (€250 million), Portugal (€113 million), Denmark (€81 million), Sweden (€44 million), Austria (€5 million), Ireland (€5 million) made bilateral contributions, worth over €5 billion, while the EBRD announced a separate bilateral investment of over €600 million.

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    In the context of the campaign, the African Development Bank pledged to allocate at least 20% of the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment to renewable energy. Norway pledged approximately €53 million through its contribution to the African Development Fund over 2026-2028.

    The campaign also secured additional commitments that will generate 26.8 GW generated renewable energy and bring renewable electricity to 17.5 million households that currently live without reliable access. 

    From the €10 billion pledged by President von der Leyen on behalf of Team Europe, €3.1 billion were announced previously on the occasion of the EU-South Africa summit in March 2025, the Mattei Plan for Africa and Global Gateway event in June 2025, the Africa Climate Summit and the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025 and the Global Gateway Forum in October 2025, while €7 billion were announced by the President during the final pledging event in Johannesburg on 21 November.

    A list of projects included in today’s announcement is available online.

    In addition to the campaign pledges, a number of Team Europe actors have indicated their intention to increase investments in renewable energy by 2030. This amounts to another €4 billion.

    The ‘Scaling up Renewables in Africa’ campaign was launched in November 2024 in Rio de Janeiro by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. It aimed to drive new commitments on policy and finance from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, and philanthropists. The campaign also created momentum more broadly towards the ambitious targets of tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency worldwide, set at COP28.

    Currently, 600 million people still lack access to electricity in Africa. With Africa’s population set to double by 2050, providing affordable, sustainable energy is crucial for both the continent’s development and global climate goals. Africa holds 60% of the world’s best solar resources, offering a significant opportunity for renewable energy.

    Despite this, the continent attracts only 2% of global energy investment and faces challenges like high capital costs, limited investment, geographic barriers, and supply chain constraints.

    Through the Global Gateway investment strategy, and in particular through the Africa-Europe Green Energy Initiative (AEGEI), the European Union is working with African partners to seize this opportunity.

    The EU is delivering major investments in renewable energy generation, transmission, and cross-border electricity trade, while building long-term, reliable partnerships to support Africa’s clean energy future.

  • EU launches €30m initiative to empower artists, promote cultural cooperation in creative sector

    EU launches €30m initiative to empower artists, promote cultural cooperation in creative sector

    The European Union (EU) has launched the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture (AEPC) Nigeria Cluster to empower artists to expand their creative networks, and build stronger bridges between Africa and Europe.

    The €30 million EU-funded project, which is implemented by Goethe-Institut, will promote international collaboration opportunities for Nigerian artists, cultural organisations, and creative professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, advancing mutual exchange and co-creation.

    The project is expected to facilitate the training of 250 professionals, support 450 artists, network 48 festivals, and deepen West Africa–EU cultural relations for lasting social and economic gains.

    Speaking during the official launch of the AEPC Nigeria Cluster in Lagos State, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot stated that culture remains central to sustainable development, social cohesion, and inclusive growth.

    “We see culture as a driver of mutual understanding, creative innovation, and economic opportunity,” he said.

    While emphasising that the launch of the initiative in Nigeria signals the EU’s strong support for culture between Africa and Europe, Mignot said: “Culture is part and parcel of our Global Gateway strategy, aiming at connecting people and creating opportunities and sustainable shared prosperity.

    “The EU remains committed to deepening partnerships that amplify African voices and foster cultural diversity. Our goal is to create spaces where voices can be heard, where creative talents can grow without limits and where stories that often remain unseen and forgotten can find itself in the global community.”

    Mignot highlighted a few EU-funded cultural programmes in Africa, saying this was a show of the EU’s commitment to promoting Africa-Europe cultural relations.

    He said: “In fact, AEPC is not the only proof of our commitment. Let me just mention two other EU-funded cultural programmes in Africa: Strengthening African-European Museum partnerships, a €20 million programme to support collaborative projects between African and European museums and Creative Africa, a €15 million upcoming project that will support collaboration between the two Audiovisual ecosystems.

    “We also support the strengthening of cultural policy, in Nigeria like in many other countries in the world. And then, there is a string of smaller support that we bring to cultural actors, like the Festival of Illustrators that took place here a couple of months ago or the Eastern Nigeria Film Festival in Enugu, where I will be next week with several of our Member States Ambassadors.”

    He also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigerian creatives in accessing new opportunities for collaboration, training, and global exposure.

    Mignot said: “Together, we can ensure that no creative is left behind, and that talent from West, East, South and North Nigeria can thrive on international stages. We just have to spread the voice and encourage as many organisations and creators to check if they are eligible, build or finalise strong projects and apply.”

    Also speaking, the Director of the Goethe-Institut Nigeria, Dr. Nadine Siegert explained that the launch of the AEPC Nigeria Cluster represents a landmark milestone in promoting cultural exchange, collaboration, and creative innovation between Africa and Europe. 

    “Nigeria’s creative sector is a force to be reckoned with, diverse, innovative, and increasingly recognised on the global stage. Through initiatives like the AEPC, we are not only showcasing Nigeria’s talent internationally but also creating pathways for collaboration, learning, and sustainable development within the cultural industry,” she said.

    Stating that Goethe-Institut, Germany’s cultural institute in Nigeria, is proud to support and invest in Nigeria’s creative ecosystem, she said: “Our commitment is rooted in three key pillars: collaboration, capacity building, and visibility and access. Goethe-Institut is committed to ensuring that opportunities in the cultural sector are accessible to all. By supporting creative hubs, digital platforms, and funding mechanisms, we aim to bridge gaps in resources and visibility, empowering a diverse range of artists and cultural professionals to thrive.

    In West Africa, the project promotes cultural cooperation between countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo and the EU.

  • FULL LIST: 20 most powerful political positions in the world

    FULL LIST: 20 most powerful political positions in the world

    A new global ranking has outlined the Top 20 Most Powerful Political Positions in the World, highlighting the offices whose decisions shape international security, economic stability, and global diplomacy. 

    From Presidents of major world powers to influential prime ministers and even the mayor of the world’s most economically significant city, the list reflects how political authority is distributed across regions and institutions.

    The ranking underscores not only the dominance of traditional superpowers like the United States and China, but also the growing influence of emerging economies and strategic geopolitical players. 

    It also places regional blocs such as the European Union on the same stage as nation-states, emphasizing the expanding role of supranational governance in today’s interconnected world.

    Here are the top 20 most powerful political positions in the world

    1. United States – President

    2. China – General Secretary of the Communist Party

    3. India – Prime Minister

    4. European Union – President of the EU Commission

    5. Germany – Chancellor

    6. Russia – President

    7. United Kingdom – Prime Minister

    8. France – President

    9. Japan – Prime Minister

    10. Saudi Arabia – King

    11. Türkiye – President

    12. Israel – Prime Minister

    13. Canada – Prime Minister

    14. Brazil – President

    15. United States (NYC) – Mayor of New York City

    16. South Korea – President

    17. Indonesia – President

    18. Italy – Prime Minister

    19. Mexico – President

    20. Nigeria – President

  • Nigerian professionals in Europe urge EU to restrain Trump, call for strategic security support

    Nigerian professionals in Europe urge EU to restrain Trump, call for strategic security support

    The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe (ANPE) has appealed to leaders of the European Union (EU) to restrain US President Donald Trump following his recent threats of military action against Nigeria and his decision to redesignate the country as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution.

    In an electronic statement issued from Paris on Thursday, the association urged the EU to adopt a balanced diplomatic posture and to strengthen its partnership with Nigeria through strategic support in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity.

    The group described Trump’s remarks as “provocative and dangerous,” warning that such rhetoric could inflame tensions, embolden extremist groups, and undermine the steady progress Nigeria has made in counterterrorism and economic reform.

    A statement signed by Dr. Livinus Chukwuemeka Nwosu, ANPE President, and Mrs Aisha M. Bello, a security expert and secretary of the group, urged European leaders to “act with wisdom and restraint” by discouraging any unilateral US action that could destabilise the West African region.

    “We call on the European Union, as a global voice of balance and diplomacy, to restrain President Trump from any hostile action or policy escalation against Nigeria. Our country needs constructive engagement, not coercion. The international community should be supporting Nigeria’s security and democratic consolidation, not threatening it,” the statement reads.

    The association emphasised that Nigeria’s religious diversity has long been a source of cultural richness, not division, and that framing the country’s security challenges as religious persecution was both misleading and counterproductive.

    According to ANPE, terrorism, insurgency, and banditry in Nigeria have affected Muslims and Christians alike, particularly in the country’s northern and central regions. 

    “The lives of every Nigerian, regardless of faith or ethnicity, are sacred. We reject any narrative that weaponises religion to justify foreign hostility or intervention,” the statement added.

    The group urged the EU to back Nigeria’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign through arms supply, intelligence sharing, and joint training programmes that would help strengthen local security institutions. 

    ANPE said such cooperation should be guided by mutual respect and a shared commitment to peace, while avoiding any direct interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.

    The statement also highlighted positive developments in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which the group said reflected the country’s resilience and reform-driven progress. 

    ANPE assured European investors that their interests remain secure, pointing to increased transparency in the regulatory environment and renewed investor confidence under the current administration.

    “European partners investing in Nigeria’s energy sector should have no fear. The government is consolidating reforms to enhance accountability, strengthen local content, and attract long-term investment. Nigeria’s economic revival depends on stable global partnerships, not geopolitical tension,” the association said.

    ANPE described Trump’s recent designation and threats as an “unhelpful distraction” that risks reversing hard-won gains in regional peacebuilding and counterinsurgency. 

    It noted that Nigeria has been working closely with its neighbours, including Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, to suppress terrorism across the Lake Chad Basin, while maintaining robust diplomatic relations with Western allies.

    The association commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for maintaining focus on national security, infrastructure, and energy development despite global pressures, urging Nigerians not to be swayed by external provocations.

    “We have a duty to defend our sovereignty and dignity. President Tinubu’s government is building institutions that can protect citizens and restore lasting peace,” the group added.

    The statement concluded with a call for the EU to engage both Washington and Abuja in sustained dialogue to prevent escalation and to channel global cooperation toward stabilising West Africa.

    “Europe has always been a trusted partner to Nigeria. We are confident that the EU’s leadership will help ensure that diplomacy, not division, guides the global response to Nigeria’s internal challenges. Together, we can defeat terrorism and preserve peace — but only through respect, dialogue, and partnership,” the association said.

  • EU deploys 687 observers

    EU deploys 687 observers

    The European Union (EU) has deployed 687 election observers to monitor Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State, reaffirming its commitment to credible, peaceful, and inclusive elections in Nigeria.

    Through the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, the Union said it is enabling civil society partners to deploy observers, strengthen peacebuilding, advance disability and gender inclusion, counter misinformation, and boost public confidence in the democratic process.

    Seven of the 16 implementing partners under the EU-SDGN programme — including The Kukah Centre, Yiaga Africa, International Press Centre (IPC), Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Nigeria Women Trust Fund (NWTF), ElectHER, and TAF Africa — are currently on the ground in Anambra.

    According to the EU, these organisations are operating from a Unified Election Observation Hub, designed to ensure coordination, message alignment, and shared visibility throughout the election.

    “The key feature of this unified deployment is to obtain a broad view of the election by utilising the diverse skills and experience of the EU-SDGN partners,” the EU said in a statement. “The findings will be analysed and compiled into a comprehensive report that will be made public and accessible to all stakeholders.”

    The EU noted that the deployment of 687 observers across Anambra is one of the most extensive civil society-led observation missions ever recorded for a state election in Nigeria.

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    Observers are working in coordinated clusters covering election integrity, peacebuilding, disability inclusion, gender participation, media and misinformation tracking, logistics observation, and real-time data reporting.

    “Each cluster is collecting evidence from a different angle. When those findings are merged, they offer a fuller, verifiable picture of the election that no single organisation could produce alone,” the EU cohort stated.

    The observers’ thematic areas include: Election integrity and results verification; Disability inclusion, with trained observers and sign language interpreters; Gender participation, tracking women’s involvement in the process; Media and misinformation tracking, through deployed journalists and fact-checkers; Peacebuilding and conflict prevention; and Monitoring of polling logistics and distribution of sensitive materials.

    The statement added: “This election is an opportunity to demonstrate that inclusion and credibility are shared democratic standards. Working from a single hub enables us to coordinate evidence, avoid duplication, and deliver a unified assessment of the process.”

    Earlier in the week, the EU-SDGN programme supported the signing of the Anambra Election Peace Accord, which brought together all candidates and political parties.

    “The Peace Accord is not the conclusion but the beginning of responsibility. Candidates must not only sign for peace but act peacefully and respect the will of voters,” the EU partners said.

    Ahead of the election, the EU-SDGN programme also presented a Joint Pre-Election Assessment Report, which analysed the political climate, security situation, media environment, and levels of gender and disability inclusion. The report offered 66 actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening electoral credibility, voter access, and institutional preparedness.

    The EU-SDGN programme, funded by the European Union, is a civil society-led initiative that promotes credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections across Nigeria.

    The statement further outlined the specific roles of implementing partners: The Kukah Centre leads on peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue; Yiaga Africa anchors election observation and data-driven civic participation; IPC and CEMESO advance media professionalism, monitoring, and counter-misinformation efforts; NWTF and ElectHER drive women’s political inclusion and leadership, promoting greater representation of women and young women in politics; and TAF Africa champions disability rights and inclusive electoral participation for persons with disabilities.

    With this deployment, the EU reaffirmed its continued support for Nigeria’s democratic process, stressing that credible elections remain the cornerstone of good governance and stability in the country.

  • Nigeria, European Union seal deals on local manufacturing, health sector investment

    Nigeria, European Union seal deals on local manufacturing, health sector investment

    The Federal Government and the European Union (EU) have signed three landmark agreements to boost local pharmaceutical manufacturing, attract investments, and strengthen reproductive health across West Africa.

    The deals, under the EU’s Global Gateway Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies (MAV+) initiative and SRHR flagships, aim to build a resilient health ecosystem by empowering local producers and innovators.

    The projects – Enabling Local Manufacturing of Health, Immunisation and Nutrition Commodities in Nigeria (ELM-N), Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (Qualimeds Nigeria), and Strengthening Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in West Africa – were announced at the Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum in Abuja yesterday.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Health, Dr. Uju Rochas, said the agreements reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a sustainable, innovation-driven health economy.

    He cited the Executive Order on local production of pharmaceuticals as a turning point, explaining that the government was strengthening governance, attracting investment, and promoting local manufacturing.

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    “Our message is clear: Nigeria is open for health investment, innovation, and impact. The President has made it clear that our health transformation will rely on government-led ownership and innovation, made in Nigeria, for Nigerians, and by Nigerians,” Shettima said.

    EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the forum as a demonstration of Team Europe’s commitment to strengthening health systems through strategic investment. He reaffirmed the EU’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighting ongoing health projects worth €45 million in Nigeria and €25 million across West Africa, supported by partners including the Agence Française de Développement and the Gates Foundation.

    Budget and Economic Planning Minister, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, hailed the agreements as timely.

    He said they aligned with Nigeria’s reform efforts to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare.

    Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, who was represented by Dr. Olubunmi Aribeana, said the Renewed Hope Health Agenda focuses on strengthening local production, expanding access to essential medicines and vaccines, and advancing reproductive health.

    “Local production is not just an economic choice but a strategic health security priority,” he stated.

  • Fed govt, EU to mobilise investment for Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem

    Fed govt, EU to mobilise investment for Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem

    The European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) have announced plans to organise a health investment forum to mobilise investment for Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem

    The Nigeria–EU Health Investment Forum, scheduled to hold on 30 October, is in collaboration with the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD).

    The high-level signature event themed “Made in Nigeria. Made for Health,” will bring together government officials, industry leaders, development partners, and investors.

    The forum aims to boost Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity, strengthen regulatory systems, and mobilise investment across its pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem.

    The event, scheduled to take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, will advance Nigeria’s health sector industrialisation and deepen strategic dialogue and sustainable partnerships with the EU.

    EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, described the initiative as a defining moment for strategic partnership.

    The envoy said: “This forum brings together government, industry, research, and investors to turn ambition into action for health sovereignty and local production. The EU and Team Europe, through the Global Gateway, are investing in people, systems, and innovation. This transformation will strengthen how health products are made, distributed, and accessed across Nigeria and the ECOWAS region.”

    Mignot added that the event would focus on shaping a healthier and more self-reliant future.

    “We look forward to signing new partnerships, driving sustainable investments, and co-creating solutions that will reinforce Nigeria’s health security for decades to come. By aligning our investments with Nigeria’s healthcare reform agenda, we are supporting local producers and innovators who will build a stronger and more resilient health ecosystem across West Africa,” he noted.

    Director-General of NIPRD, Dr Obi Adigwe, said the forum is a unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s health manufacturing renaissance.

    Adigwe added that the conversations and partnerships emerging from the forum will shape the next decade of Nigeria’s health sector.

    He said: “It will connect policy, innovation, and investment, while highlighting NIPRD’s role in driving evidence-based research that supports local pharmaceutical production.

    “Our goal is to make ‘Made in Nigeria, Made for Health’ a reality that delivers sustainable impact across the country and the continent. We welcome this collaboration with the EU and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain as a pivotal step towards transforming Nigeria’s research outputs into viable industrial solutions.

    “Together, we are building the foundations for equitable access to safe, affordable, and high-quality medicines made in Nigeria for Nigerians and other nationalities.”

    National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, Dr Abdu Mukhtar said the forum represents a turning point for Nigeria’s health sector transformation.

    “Through this partnership with the EU and NIPRD, we are creating the conditions for large-scale private investment, expanding domestic manufacturing, and unlocking the economic potential of the health sector.

    “The Presidential Initiative is committed to ensuring that the healthcare value chain becomes a driver of growth, innovation, and jobs, while ensuring that Nigerians have access to the products they need for a healthier life,” he said.

    During the forum, key participants will sign finalised contracts under the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+), as well as a regional agreement to be implemented by the West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO) under the Team Europe Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Flagship.

    These agreements aim to harmonise SRHR policies, expand access to underused SRHR products and maternal health services, and strengthen accountability systems across the region.

    In addition, the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Bayer AG, and Chromedix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. are forging a forward-looking partnership to position Nigeria as Africa’s next powerhouse for pharmaceutical innovation, manufacturing, and health sovereignty.

    The event will feature a policy showcase, deal-making sessions, and innovation-led discussions on sustainability, resilience, and equity in health.

  • EU’s €100bn research initiative opens to Nigerian researchers, says ambassador

    EU’s €100bn research initiative opens to Nigerian researchers, says ambassador

    The European Union (EU) said that its flagship Horizon Europe programme, a nearly €100 billion initiative that funds research and innovation across continents, was open to Nigerian researchers.

    The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said this  at the University of Lagos 18th Annual Research Conference where he underscored the role of research in driving inclusive and transformative progress.

    Mignot said: “Horizon Europe is open to Nigerian researchers because the pursuit of knowledge belongs to all humankind. When science connects people, it builds a stronger, fairer and more sustainable world.”

    He also said that the EU was collaboration with Nigeria to strengthen research and innovation ecosystem, with a focus on digital transformation, climate resilience, and sustainable growth.

    Mignot noted that the partnership with Nigeria is built on shared priorities, empowering scientists, innovators and young researchers to turn knowledge into impact across critical sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy and health.

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    Ambassador Mignot said: “Science is most efficient when it is universal, not when it bumps into borders.

    “The European Union and its Member States are investing in research that advances the same green, digital and inclusive transition we are pursuing in Europe, and we are proud to work with Nigeria to achieve this.”

    The ambassador announced that the European Commission has proposed opening negotiations with Nigeria on a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Agreement.

    He said that the proposed accord will create new pathways for joint research projects, academic exchange and investment in technology infrastructure.

    “This agreement will help bring our researchers, innovators and universities even closer together,” Mignot said.

    He added: “It will strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global innovation landscape and open more opportunities for young researchers and entrepreneurs.”

    Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Folasade Ogunsola, commended the EU for its support, describing the collaboration as a milestone in Nigeria’s drive to strengthen its research capacity and harness innovation for development.

    Ogunsola said: “Africa must embrace innovation that responds to our realities. Partnerships like this enable us to translate research into practical solutions, from sustainable energy to health and AI, that improve lives and empower communities.”

    She added that the university is investing in a Human-Centred AI Research Hub focused on ethical and inclusive innovation.

    “AI offers Africa not just a chance to catch up but to lead in shaping the future,” she said.

    A PhD candidate in Estate Management at the University, Salami Michael said: “AI is changing everything about how we learn and research. We can now access data, collaborate across continents and even conduct property evaluations with drones. The EU’s support will give us the opportunity to leverage these tools more effectively and transform the way we teach, learn and innovate.”