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Tag: European Union

  • EU’s €100m energy sector programme to add 400 megawatts of renewable capacity

    EU’s €100m energy sector programme to add 400 megawatts of renewable capacity

    The European Union (EU) has said that its energy sector programme launched in 2021 with a €100 million (N175 billion) budget will add 400 megawatts of new renewable capacity by 2027.

    The organisation said that the programme will directly benefit more than five million Nigerians.

    The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot disclosed this during the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) in Abuja.

    The envoy, who was represented by the Deputy Ambassador, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, highlighted how over €200 million in grants from the EU has continued to strengthen Nigeria’s power sector since 2008.

    He stated: “Our most recent energy sector programme, launched in 2021 with a €100 million (N175 billion) budget, is aimed at adding 400 megawatts of new renewable capacity by 2027, directly benefitting more than five million Nigerians.”

    Mignot noted that creative partnerships between the public and private sectors, including research and innovation ecosystems, are key to achieving Nigeria’s clean energy goals.

    Describing how innovative breakthroughs are reshaping the global energy landscape, the envoy praised Nigeria’s abundant and exceptional human talent and natural resources, describing them as critical ingredients for building innovation ecosystems.

    Mignot noted that innovation that accelerates inclusive energy and digital transformation processes has become an essential intergenerational process and an integral part of political legacies that will be duly recognised by future generations.

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    While explaining how proper synergy between the public and private sectors and research and innovation ecosystems works, Mignot said: “The public sector brings the policy frameworks; the private sector brings agility and technical expertise; research institutions bring insight and innovation.”

    He also said that effective policies and regulation, together with strengthened capacity building, are essential to scale energy solutions sustainably.

    Mignot added: “Across rural Nigeria, off-grid renewable solutions are transforming lives. Mini-grids and solar home systems, powered by creative public–private partnerships, are lighting homes, energising small businesses, and expanding opportunity.

    “Research institutions must continue providing evidence-based insights on energy demand, consumer behaviour, and resilient business models to ensure that innovation truly serves local communities.”

    Reiterating the EU’s commitment to Nigeria’s energy security and economic resilience, especially through programmes like GET.invest Nigeria and the EU’s Global Gateway, he said: “The EU remains deeply committed to supporting these efforts through direct research grants, local capacity development, and mobilising private investment, demonstrating a shared vision for sustainable energy access, clean industry, and inclusive growth.

    “Whether for large grid-connected solar farms or small decentralised systems, our shared path depends on harnessing Nigerian ingenuity, industrial potential, and entrepreneurial spirit.”

    Mignot hailed Nigeria’s advancement in the era of the green and circular economy.

    “The pace of this journey toward sustainable, accessible energy will depend on how successfully the public sector, private sector, and innovation ecosystem work together. Through sustained collaboration, continuous research, and aligned investment, Nigeria can realise a greener grid, stronger off-grid systems, and a thriving renewable energy industry,” he added.

    The event, which was attended by Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Governors from Ogun and Bayelsa States, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), members of the diplomatic corps, academics, and private sector stakeholders, focused on bridging public–private–research divides to accelerate green energy transformation.

  • EU pledges support to Nigeria to reduce emissions

    EU pledges support to Nigeria to reduce emissions

    The European Union has extended its support to Nigeria in its bid to reduce emissions in the country.

    This is as Nigeria has submitted its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement, setting out an updated and more ambitious climate commitment ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

    Nigeria becomes the first country in West Africa to submit its NDC, positioning it to better align its climate goals with long-term development priorities.

    Speaking at the EU–Nigeria NDC roundtable on Tuesday in Abuja, Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy Section at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the dialogue reflects the shared commitment of both parties to advance climate ambition through partnership.

    She said, “The Green Diplomacy Week is something we celebrate every year, bringing together our partners to discuss climate change, the environment, and our shared objectives. This year is particularly important, as it marks ten years since the adoption of the Paris Agreement. For us at the European Union, it is an opportunity to reflect on collective progress while recognising that much more still needs to be done.”

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    She noted that while the EU has made significant progress in reducing emissions, global cooperation remains essential.

    Stefanowicz said, “Within the EU, we have reduced emissions by nearly 40% since 1990 and are on track to achieve our 2030 target of a 55% reduction. But this is not something we can achieve alone. As we push forward within the EU, we are also working closely with our international partners.

    “We are here to support, to collaborate, and to share experiences that strengthen trust and accountability in the global process.”

    The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to translate ambition into measurable action.

    Lawal, who was represented by Mrs Halima Bawa-Bwari, an official from the ministry, said: “Ambition alone is not enough. We must demonstrate progress with clarity and confidence. For Nigeria, a robust Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system ensures accountability by tracking emissions, converting targets into measurable outcomes, and unlocking climate finance by assuring partners of real impact. It also enables data-driven policies that deliver smarter interventions and maximise socio-economic benefits.”

    The minister added that addressing institutional challenges requires strong partnerships and sustained collaboration.

    He said, “We have a unique opportunity to co-create a world-class MRV architecture that reflects Nigeria’s realities while meeting global standards. We recognise the progress already made by the National Council on Climate Change and other ministries and agencies. But we also acknowledge the remaining gaps, such as fragmented data, weak coordination, and limited capacity. Overcoming these requires a holistic approach and the continued support of partners such as the European Union.”

    Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Omotenioye Majekodunmi, noted that technical systems must be underpinned by cooperation and inclusivity.

    Majekodunmi said, “We are here to make progress in implementing the Paris Agreement and our NDC commitments. To do this, we need MRV systems that effectively track progress across Nigeria’s diverse governance and economic structures. Cooperation at all levels, national, subnational, and international, is essential. Strengthening capacities, building skills, and ensuring sustained support are all critical to meeting evolving global climate reporting requirements.”

    The EU–Nigeria exchange, held as part of Green Diplomacy Week, provided a platform for dialogue between the EU, Nigerian government institutions, civil society, and the private sector on how to effectively prepare and implement the new NDC.

    It also explored how Nigeria’s commitments can be further aligned with the Paris Agreement, the National Development Plan, and its long-term net-zero vision.

    With NDC 3.0, Nigeria is taking concrete steps to raise its climate ambition. The EU’s ongoing support ensures the process is anchored in real data and widespread coordination, signalling a shared commitment to a healthier, more secure, and prosperous future.

  • EU vows to re-impose UN sanctions on Iran

    EU vows to re-impose UN sanctions on Iran

    The European Union has announced plans  to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran “without delay,” days after a vote to delay them failed in the Security Council earlier this week.

    “The European Union will now proceed to implement the re-imposition of all previously lifted UN and EU nuclear-related sanctions without delay,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a statement issued by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the bloc’s diplomatic arm.

    Kallas noted that the snapback of sanctions and nuclear restrictions “must not” be the end of nuclear diplomacy with Iran, calling the issue a “key challenge” to regional and international security.

    “It is the position of the European Union that a sustainable solution to the Iranian nuclear issue can only be achieved through negotiation and diplomacy. In line with the UNSC Resolutions that have been brought back into force today, I will remain engaged with all relevant parties, including Iran, in support of political and diplomatic efforts to find a negotiated solution,” she added.

    Kallas further urged Iran to “fully resume cooperation” with the International Atomic Energy Agency “without delay,” in line with its “legal obligations” under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

    The UN Security Council on Friday vetoed a draft resolution to extend the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear program until April 18, 2026.

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    Under the pact, endorsed by the UN Security Council, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment and allow international inspectors to verify that its nuclear program served only peaceful purposes.

    On Aug. 28, France, Germany, and the UK triggered the “snapback” mechanism under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which restores sanctions in 30 days if Iran fails to meet its obligations.

    After U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran earlier this year, Tehran halted cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, claiming that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was biased against it.

    The sanctions came back into force for the first time in a decade on Sunday after France, Germany, and the UK invoked the snapback mechanism, accusing Tehran of violating its nuclear obligations.

    The sanctions bar dealings related to Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missiles program and are also expected to have wider effects on the country’s economy.

  • EU pledges €18m to roll-out of digital public infrastructure in Nigeria

    EU pledges €18m to roll-out of digital public infrastructure in Nigeria

    The Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca has announced that the European Union (EU) has committed €18 million to support Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

    De Luca noted that this would drive growth and create secure, inclusive digital ecosystems.

    He spoke at the launch of the Nigeria Data Exchange Platform (NGDX) convened by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy with support from the EU and Team Europe partners from Estonia, Finland, Germany, and France.

    The conference marked a major milestone in advancing secure, inclusive and trusted digital systems for the country’s citizens and businesses.

    The conference, facilitated by the Digital for Development (D4D) Hub, brought together senior government officials, legislators, regulators, industry leaders, and international partners to deliberate on the vision, governance, and technical architecture of the NGDX, envisaged as the third foundational rail of Nigeria’s DPI alongside the National Identity System and the National Payments Infrastructure.

    De Luca said that Nigeria is a critical partner for digital cooperation under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy and International Digital Strategy, which promote secure and trusted digital solutions and encourage business between Europe and Africa.

    “DPI is one priority area for cooperation of the EU Tech Business offer with a strong potential to drive growth and create secure, inclusive digital ecosystems,” he said.

    He added that DPI goes beyond technology, empowering societies through secure digital identities, seamless payments, and trusted data governance frameworks.

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    “However, such frameworks require legal safeguards on data and privacy. DPI must respect inclusivity, equity, human-centricity, security, trust, and sustainability,” he said.

    Highlighting the EU’s commitment, De Luca noted critical projects supporting Nigeria’s digital transition, including BRIDGE (the rollout of 90,000 km of fibre-optic cable across the country), 3 MITT (launching Nigeria’s youth into the ICT labour market), and support for the digital economy ecosystem and businesses.

    “This event is also a first step towards a fully-fledged EU support to the roll-out of DPI in Nigeria, an €18 million project that has just been approved for funding,” he said, praising the collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

    Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, described the initiative as central to Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

    He said: “Nigeria already has two of the three critical stacks required for a successful DPI, the National Identity rail and the Payments rail. The next frontier is a trusted Data Exchange that enables government and business to share and use data securely, while providing citizens with better services under a framework that guarantees privacy, security and accountability.”

    The minister noted that the NGDX will comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which enshrines the right to privacy and established the National Data Protection Commission.

  • EU leaders hopeful ahead Trump, Putin summit

    EU leaders hopeful ahead Trump, Putin summit

    European Union leaders appeared cautiously optimistic after holding a virtual meeting with Donald Trump yesterday, two days before he meets his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

    Trump reportedly told the Europeans that his goal for the summit was to obtain a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv.

    He also agreed that any territorial issues had to be decided with Volodymyr Zelensky’s involvement, and that security guarantees had to be part of the deal, according to France’s Emmanuel Macron.

    Speaking to Trump had allowed him to “clarify his intentions” and gave the Europeans a chance to “express our expectations,” Macron said.

    Trump and Vice-President JD Vance spoke to the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Finland and Poland as well as EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and Nato chief Mark Rutte.

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    The Europeans have been sidelined from the hastily organised summit in Alaska and their phone call today was a last-ditch attempt to keep Ukraine’s interests and the continent’s security at the forefront of Trump’s mind.

    To an extent, it seemed to work.  yesterday evening Trump rated the meeting “a ten” and said Russia would face “very severe” consequences unless it halted its war in Ukraine.

    He also said that if Friday’s meeting went well, he would try and organise a “quick second one” involving both Putin and Zelensky.

    Still, in their statements European leaders restated the need for Kyiv to be involved in any final decision – betraying an underlying nervousness that Putin could ultimately persuade Trump to concede Ukrainian land in exchange for a ceasefire.

    “It’s most important thing that Europe convinces Donald Trump that one can’t trust Russia,” said Poland’s Donald Tusk, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed the leaders had “made it clear that Ukraine must be at the table as soon as follow-up meetings take place.”

    If the Russian side refused to make any concessions, “then the United States and we Europeans should and must increase the pressure,” Merz said.

    Since the US-Russia summit was announced last week, Trump has made several references to “land-swapping” between Kyiv and Moscow – sparking serious concerns in Ukraine and beyond that he could be preparing to give in to Putin’s longstanding demand to seize large swathes of Ukrainian territory.

  • EU, stakeholders to accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition

    EU, stakeholders to accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition

    The European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, the German Embassy, and the Federal Ministry of Power have commenced talks with other stakeholders to accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition.

    During the inaugural Steering Committee meeting of GET.invest Nigeria, stakeholders outlined priorities and agreed on a road map to scale clean energy deployment in the country.

    The Steering Committee meeting of GET.invest Nigeria is co-chaired by the Federal Ministry of Power, the EU, and the German Embassy.

    Country Coordinator of GET.invest Nigeria, Lawrence Edeeke presented the committee’s composition, which includes the Federal Ministry of Power, Rural Electrification Agency, EU Delegation, BMZ/German Embassy, Central Bank of Nigeria, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Association Alliance (REEEA), and GIZ through its Nigeria Energy Support Programme.

    Deputy EU Ambassador, Zissimos Vergos described GET.invest Nigeria as “the essential ecosystem to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with financiers.”

    Vergos said it will elevate Nigeria’s green economy to global recognition.

    A representative of the Federal Ministry of Power, Temitope Dina, said: “We want to move from power points to power plants.”

    Dina said that this signals the Federal Government’s resolve to scale up from pilot projects to large-scale clean energy delivery.

    Also, a representative of German Embassy, Johannes Lehne called the launch of the committee “a highly symbolic step marking a new phase in Nigeria’s clean energy trajectory.

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    A member of Renewable Energy Alliance, Prof. Magnus Oma highlighted the importance of reducing investment risks through blended finance solutions tailored to Nigerian developers.

    In just nine months, GET.invest Nigeria has received nearly 90 applications from clean energy developers, selecting 35 projects for support.

    Through its Edge Finance initiative, it has also partnered with five commercial banks – Sterling Bank, First Bank, WEMA, Fidelity, and Ecobank – surpassing its initial target and positioning these institutions as key drivers of Nigeria’s green finance landscape.

    With its Steering Committee now operational, GET.invest Nigeria will provide strategic oversight, align with national energy goals, and ensure effective governance.

    The committee will meet twice annually, with the next session set for February 2026, to review progress and address emerging challenges.

    GET.invest Nigeria is poised to serve as a catalyst for systemic transformation, strengthening developers, mobilising finance, and accelerating Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

  • EU’s postgraduate scholarships for 104 Nigerians

    EU’s postgraduate scholarships for 104 Nigerians

    One hundred and four Nigerian youths have received the European Union (EU)-funded postgraduate scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic session.

    The scholarships, which are under the EU’s Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Plus programme, would see these young Nigerians learn a targeted set of interdisciplinary skills that set them up for careers as practitioners, researchers, or decision-makers in their chosen fields.

    Nigeria is the leading country in Africa for Erasmus participation, and among the global top five alongside South Asian countries and Mexico.

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    Speaking during this year’s Erasmus+ Pre-Departure Orientation event in Abuja, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the awardees went through a very competitive, global application process.

    He said: “Over 15,000 applications were made, and today, you stand among the selected few. You should be proud of yourselves, and so are we.

    “This year, so far, 104 Nigerian students are starting their Erasmus Masters in September, out of which 83 of them, almost 80 per cent, have secured fully funded Erasmus scholarships.”

  • Deepening cooperation: Nigeria-EU senior officials to meet in Abuja – Tuggar

    Deepening cooperation: Nigeria-EU senior officials to meet in Abuja – Tuggar

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, says the Senior Officials Meeting between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will hold on July 1 and 2, 2025 in Abuja.

    Tuggar disclosed this in a statement on Saturday issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the foreign affairs ministry.

    According to the minister, the meeting is part of preparations for the forthcoming Nigeria-EU Ministerial Meeting which aims to explore areas of cooperation.

    Tuggar said, “The Senior Officials Meeting will be co-chaired by Amb. Janet Olisa, Director, Regions Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria and Mr Mathieu Briens, Deputy Managing-Director for Africa Department, European External Action Service, EU.

    “The agenda of the meeting is expected to entail wide-ranging discussions that would focus on various aspects of the Nigeria – EU partnership.

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    “This includes cooperation on multilateral and regional issues, peace, Security, and governance, humanitarian situation, trade and investment, human development: health, education and social protection.

    “Also are science, technology, innovation and digital transition, migration, energy, climate change and green economy transition among others.

    “Nigeria and the EU share a deep, long-standing partnership inspired by mutual values and interests, as well as support for multilateralism and rule-based international order.”

    (NAN)

  • EU deplores Gaza humanitarian crisis

    EU deplores Gaza humanitarian crisis

    The leaders of European Union member states yesterday deplored the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the growing number of civilian casualties, calling on Israel to fully lift its blockade.

    Meeting in Brussels for a summit, the European Council urged Israel to allow “immediate, unimpeded access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale” throughout Gaza.

    In the conclusions adopted at the summit, EU leaders called for an immediate cease-fire and the unconditional release of all hostages, stressing the need for a permanent end to hostilities.

    They said: “The European Union is ready to contribute to all efforts towards this solution and calls on all parties to refrain from actions that undermine its viability.”

    They also urged Israel to comply with international law and ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, as well as civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and UN facilities.

    The European Council took note of the report on Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement on respect for human rights and urged to continue discussions on possible follow-up in July, depending on developments on the ground.

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    Separately, the leaders reiterated strong condemnation of settler violence and illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and called for further sanctions on extremist settlers and their supporters.

     On Iran, the EU leaders reiterated that the country must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and must comply with its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The EU said it will continue to support diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and achieving a lasting resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue through negotiations.

    The council also reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to peace, security, and stability in the Middle East. “The European Council welcomes the cessation of hostilities and urges all parties to abide by international law, show restraint, and refrain from taking action which could lead to a new escalation.”

  • EU allocates N900m to tackle malnutrition in northern Nigeria

    EU allocates N900m to tackle malnutrition in northern Nigeria

    The European Union (EU) has announced a €500,000 (over ₦900 million) humanitarian aid package to support emergency interventions for children and mothers suffering from severe acute malnutrition in northern Nigeria.

    According to a statement by Mr. Modestus Chukwulaka, Press Officer for the EU Delegation to Nigeria, the funding will enable the Nigeria Red Cross Society to reach approximately 170,000 households affected by or at risk of malnutrition.

    The intervention will target vulnerable communities across nine northern states: Adamawa, Benue, Borno, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

    “The aid will specifically support lifesaving activities for over 30.000 children in urgent need of treatment. Community outreach and screening will be integrated with outpatient care for uncomplicated severe cases using ready-to-use therapeutic food while the most complex cases will be referred to health centres for specialised care, all in accordance with national health protocols. 

    “The Red Cross will expand its health and nutrition interventions while contributing to improving the medium-term resilience of the affected families and intensifying efforts in water, protection, sanitation and hygiene.,” he further stated.

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    He explained that the fund is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

    In the Northeast (Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States) and Northwest (Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States) of Nigeria, an estimated 5.44 million children under five are acutely malnourished. Two million are projected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition requiring lifesaving treatment, especially during the peak of the lean season from June to September 2025. 

    “The nutrition crisis is worsening, driven by ongoing conflict and growing insecurity. This has led to prolonged displacement, a loss of livelihoods, and a significant reduction in vulnerable families’ access to essential healthcare services. 

    “Compounding this situation are economic pressures and climate-related shocks such as flooding, as well as suboptimal maternal and child feeding practices,” the statement stressed.