Tag: European Union

The European Union (EU) has supported the federal government in its bid to achieve sustainable waste management in line with the United Nations (UN) international zero-waste agenda.

The EU, in partnership with the federal government, is promoting circularity in the fashion and textile industry.

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, stressed the need to reduce waste generated in the textile industry, which globally stands at 92 million tons annually, resulting in environmental and social impacts that disproportionately affect biodiversity and human health, especially vulnerable persons across the country.

He made this known in Abuja during this year’s International Zero Waste Day event, which was held in Nigeria on the 4th of April.

The day, which was established by the UN General Assembly in December 2022 to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns and foster a circular economy, is celebrated every 30th of March annually.

He noted that this year’s theme, “towards zero waste in fashion and textile”, underscored the environmental and social challenges caused by the fashion and textile sectors in their business model, which drives overproduction and overconsumption.

He said: “The use of fossil fuel-based synthetic fibres contributes to microplastic pollution, harming ecosystems and human health. Discarded clothing often leads to open dumping, burning, and severe environmental and social consequences, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities.

“This is why the EU continues to work closely with our Nigerian partners to address waste generation problems associated with the linear economy in Nigeria.”

Highlighting the EU’s efforts to promote the circular economy, Mignot explained that currently, the EU and the Ministry of Environment, together with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), co-chair the Nigeria Circular Economy Working Group, which brings together all strategic stakeholders to promote circular economy principles and practices to achieve inclusive green growth.

Some initiatives that the Group has worked on together include the National Policy on Waste Battery Management (2021), National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency’s (NESREA) National Environmental Regulation on Plastic Waste Control (2023), as well as the National Circular Economy Roadmap (2024) launched during last year’s International Zero Waste Day celebration.

“Our latest project with UNIDO is to address waste from the renewable energy sector, like solar panels and batteries,” he added.

Highlighting the immense potential and opportunities that the circular economy offers in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, fashion, arts and culture, and others, Amb. Mignot said, “The truth of the matter is about ensuring that products never become waste. That products and materials are kept in circulation through maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, and recycling or composting.

“The gains can be enormous for climate, biodiversity, land, air, and water quality, and equally so for the economy and the people. The waste-to-wealth transition is possible and is already happening.”

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, commended the efforts of the EU, along with NESREA, local Non-Governmental Organisations, and other relevant stakeholders in organising the event.

He noted that the event aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable waste management and the global zero waste agenda, adding that this year’s theme highlights the urgent need to reduce waste and promote circularity and responsible production and consumption.

The Minister, who was represented by the Director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department of the Ministry, Omotunde Adeola, said, “Nigeria faces significant waste management challenges in the textile sector. The fashion industry is rapidly growing, increasing textile waste. Fashion encourages a take, make, dispose approach, resulting in massive amounts of waste.

“Nigeria has immense potential from fashion and textile to waste-to-art innovations, highlighting Nigeria’s immense potential for advancing a circular economy through off-cycled art, eco-entrepreneurship, and innovative waste solutions.

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“The Federal Ministry of Environment remains dedicated to advancing policies and recognising the urgent need to address the challenges of waste management in all sectors.”

Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NESREA, Innocent Barikor, restated the agency’s commitment to promoting the circular economy.

He said: “Because we are at the forefront of promoting the circular economy, it excites us when we are part and parcel of the configuration of this nature that attempts to promote, and indeed, promotes the circular economy, encouraging our people to begin to accept zero waste.

“We want to thank the European Union for always being there. Moving forward, we believe that there is more space to work on, and we will be glad to continue to explore the various possibilities and opportunities that this place provides for us in terms of our work. We look forward to more collaboration and partnership.”

The European Union (EU) has pledged €46 million to support Nigeria’s social protection system under the newly launched Sustainable Social Protection System in Nigeria programme.

The initiative, developed in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP), aims to address existing gaps in the National Social Protection Register and improve the system’s capacity to respond to economic shocks.

The official launch of the programme took place at the United Nations House in Abuja, where key government officials, representatives from development agencies, and international partners gathered to discuss its implementation strategy.

The three-year initiative will first be rolled out in Abia, Benue, Oyo, and Sokoto states, serving as a pilot phase before potential nationwide expansion. The goal is to enhance shock responsiveness at both federal and state levels, ensuring that social protection mechanisms can effectively mitigate the impact of economic downturns, disasters, and other crises on vulnerable populations.

The programme is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection framework by refining data collection and management systems. The National Social Protection Register, which serves as a critical planning tool for government interventions, will undergo improvements to ensure better targeting of beneficiaries and efficient delivery of social support services.

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Implementation will be carried out through a coordinated effort involving multiple government ministries and international organizations. UNICEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO)—both longstanding supporters of social protection in Nigeria—will oversee key aspects of the programme.

Their roles include: providing policy advisory services to enhance the effectiveness of social protection policies; assisting in the design and implementation of support programmes and ensuring that financial aid and resources reach intended beneficiaries through efficient distribution systems.

To achieve this, UNICEF and the ILO will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. These ministries will be responsible for executing policies that align with the programme’s objectives.

The EU’s financial commitment comes at a crucial time when Nigeria’s social protection system faces increasing pressure due to economic challenges, rising inflation, and the lingering effects of past humanitarian crises. By reinforcing data-driven planning, the initiative seeks to improve the effectiveness of government-led social interventions, ultimately reducing poverty and promoting economic stability.

Development experts at the launch event acknowledged the programme as a significant step toward institutionalizing social protection reforms in Nigeria. The EU’s investment is expected to create a sustainable model that can be replicated across all states, ensuring long-term benefits for vulnerable populations.

The European Union (EU) has stated that the rights of women, children, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are central to sustainable societies.

The organisation said no society could develop economically, politically, or socially when half of its population is marginalised.

It noted that while women represented more than half of Nigeria’s population, achieving lasting solutions to issues around women’s empowerment can only be achieved if women are at the decision making table.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot disclosed this during the second annual conference of Commissioners of State Ministries of Women Affairs, in commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day.

Mignot further stated that for Nigeria, being the largest democracy in Africa, women’s inclusion was crucial to the progress of women on the continent and beyond.

He said: “As we begin the International Women’s Month, it is important that we continue to reflect on ways to advance improved protection, access to justice, and representation of women and vulnerable groups at all levels.

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“It is no secret that societal barriers place women and vulnerable groups at increased risk of violence, poverty, poorer health outcomes, marginalisation in their communities, and fewer educational and employment opportunities. Such outcomes are not inevitable however, and this is the reason why we have to be deliberate about inclusion.

“This is even more so at the sub-national level, where the government is intended to be closer to the needs and aspirations of the local population and its most disadvantaged citizens.”

Mignot called on the government at levels to provide adequate and sustained funding to champion the interests of women. 

He said: “We, therefore, hope that the ongoing constitution reform process presents an opportunity to adopt an inclusive legal framework that promotes equal participation of all Nigerians regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, and disability status. 

“People with disabilities are being left behind in development. Inclusion is affirmed in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, but we know that many interventions are still failing to include people with disabilities. Disability inclusion involves creating opportunities for everyone, ensuring a more inclusive society that fully respects the rights and dignity of all.

“Children’s rights are human rights. Every child should enjoy the same rights and be able to live free of discrimination of any kind. This is a social, moral, and human imperative on which children depend on. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which Nigeria has ratified, should guide action in this area. The Convention recognises the right of all children to have the best possible start in life, and to develop to their full potential.”

Assuring the government of the EU’s commitment to supporting the rights of women, children, and PWDs, Mignot added: “On our own part, gender equality and women’s rights are a top priority of the EU. This is true internally and regarding the EU’s approach to international cooperation. To achieve this, the EU launched its third Gender Action Plan on 25 November 2020. 

“The Gender Action Plan aims to help establish a gender-equal world, where women and girls enjoy their human rights in full, and fairer societies, in which everyone has the space to thrive with no one left behind. This means women’s meaningful participation across all sectors, including in political and public life, technology, and entrepreneurship.

“As Nigeria’s partners, we stand ready and committed to continually support key stakeholders’ efforts to enhance the integrity and dignity of women, children, and persons with disability across the country.”

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, noted that the conference underscored the government’s dedication to advancing the rights, wellbeing, and empowerment of women, children, and PWDs across Nigeria.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by her Senior Special Advisor on Technical Matters, Princess Jummai Idonije, said: “This gathering not only symbolises our unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, but also serves as a vital platform to align our efforts in accelerating progress towards gender equality and social inclusion at all levels.

“This year’s conference holds special significance as it coincides with the national commemoration of International Women’s Day, under the theme ‘accelerate action.’ It is a moment for deep reflection, renewed commitment, and bold action. The theme challenges us to critically evaluate the effectiveness of our policies and governance structures, ensuring that our collective interventions yield tangible and measurable impact, particularly at the sub-national level.”

Head of Programme for EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, Danladi Plang, disclosed that one of the core objectives of the conference was to promote increased access to justice for vulnerable persons across the country.

Plang said: “I want to thank the EU for its support for ensuring the rights of women, children, and PWDs. The investment of the EU in this sector will not be in vain. With the support of the EU, we have worked to do a number of things including Child Protection law, Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law, and law that prohibits discrimination of PWDs.

“Ministries, especially the Commissioners of Women Affairs, serve as catalysts for change and pollination of the implementation of policies in states. They are also influencers in the government cabinets in ensuring that policies are adopted that will ensure the rights of women, children, and PWDs.

“For the states that are yet to pass laws that are critical to ensuring the rights of women, children, and PWDs, they need to go back to ensure that these laws are passed. Also, we need to influence state governors to ensure that whatever is agreed here is implemented.”

Project Manager, RoLAC Programme, Oluwatoyosi Giwa, said: “This conference provides an opportunity for stakeholders to take another look at the issues that affect vulnerable citizens at the state level, and decide on actionable steps and measures that will have direct impact and benefits for the vulnerable citizens.”

Students from Lagos and Kano have gained insights into study opportunities in Europe through the European Union (EU) Study Fair.  

The fair provided Nigerian students with direct access to information about studying in Europe, allowing them to explore a wide range of academic programmes and disciplines.  

The 2025 EU Study in Europe Fair is a collaborative initiative led by the EU Delegation in Nigeria, with active participation from EU Member States. 

The event aimed to promote European higher education, showcase academic and research programmes, and connect prospective Nigerian students with representatives of European universities and institutions.  

Speaking at the event, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, stated that by presenting European universities and their offerings, the EU helps broaden students’ educational horizons and supports them in making informed decisions about studying abroad. 

He added that the fair also fosters cultural exchange by connecting Nigerian students with representatives from various European countries.

He said, “This fosters mutual understanding, empathy, and respect for different cultures, benefitting both Nigerian students and European institutions. This cultural exposure plays a critical role in preparing Nigerian students for a globalised workforce.

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“It also supports collaboration between academic institutions by encouraging partnerships, joint research projects and students’ exchange programmes. It can lead to increased mobility of students and faculties which enhances academic networks and knowledge-sharing.”

Highlighting the knowledge gap that exists among Nigerian students concerning accessing academic opportunities available to them across Europe, Amb. Mignot said, “The fair helps to provide up-to-date information about scholarships, funding options, and the application process, ensuring that students are well informed when making decisions about their studies.”

While explaining that the fair provides an opportunity for students to meet and exchange with professors and representatives of renowned universities and Business schools from across Europe, including Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, etc., he added: “They will explain to the students available educational and research opportunities, visa processes, and practical aspects of life in Europe.

“In addition, other scholarship and grants opportunities exist for facilitating internationalisation, mobility, and structural capacity enhancements of higher and vocational education and skills acquisition through the Erasmus + programmes of 2021 to 2027: they include: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters; Erasmus Mundus design measures; Jean Monnet activities; International Credit Mobility; Capacity building for higher education; and virtual exchanges.

“I encourage students, alumni, and educators to make the most of opportunities presented by the study fair so that together, we can build an education system that connects Africa and Europe, strengthens our economies, and builds a brighter future for all.”

Other education programmes that the EU supports, according to Amb. Mignot, include: European Union Basic Education in Nigeria, Technical Assistance for the Reform of the TVET Sector in Nigeria, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Horizon Europe Nigeria, and EU-ECOWAS Scholarship Programme on Sustainable Energy.

The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local elections and democracy in Nigeria.

Ruben Aguilera, Team Leader for Governance, Peace, and Migration at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made this known in Abuja during the unveiling of a study titled “The State of the State Independent Electoral Commissions in Nigeria” by DAI.

The EU-funded study outlined key challenges faced by State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), including partisan appointments, inadequate funding, and lack of autonomy. 

It also highlighted opportunities for reforms, particularly in light of the Supreme Court ruling on funding and democratic elections in Local Government Councils, which has resulted in multiple local elections since July 2024.

Aguilera emphasised that local elections are crucial as they are the closest to the people and directly impact governance at the grassroots level.

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He said: “Today, we’ve come together for one of the activities of one of the EU’s flagship programmes – the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN). We would like to see local elections being conducted everywhere in Nigeria, so people can actually choose their local representatives, making sure that they are also closer to the people and can be held accountable. This way, they (Local Government Chairmen and Councillors) can bring solutions to people’s problems, including health, education, and others.

“There is a window of opportunity now because there is a Constitutional reform process ongoing and we will continue to support this process by strengthening platforms of civic engagement.”

In his remarks, Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, while highlighting the importance of local government elections, said that if the country does not get it right at the local government level, it is unlikely that it will ever get it right at the top.

He, therefore, commended the efforts of DAI with funding support from the EU, for coming up with the analytic study on the state of SIECs in Nigeria.

He said: “The SIECs and INEC are creations of the Constitution. But the Constitution saddles the SIECs with the responsibility for conducting local government elections. The Constitution at the same time saddles INEC with the responsibility of conducting national and state elections. While INEC conducts elections at all levels, the SIECs only conduct local government elections.

“To this extent, INEC has been interfacing with the SIECs for a long period of time, to the extent that there is a forum called FOSIECON, and we have been meeting with them.

“I have noticed that there has not been any serious study on the conduct of local government elections by the SIECs. I am excited by what DAI has done, and I’m excited that the EU-SDGN is supporting this initiative.”

The Chairman, House Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun said: “SIEC is a creation of the Constitution just like INEC. But in any country, there must still be some guiding principles. As much as SIECs should be able to regulate some of their own activities, there must be basic laws that must guide every one of them.

“INEC should, as at today, have the power to enforce the guidelines being used at the general election to be the basis for other elections at the local government. Therefore, if they want to have their election, there should be a regulations that they must obey.

“Part of the way to strengthen SIECs is to make them really independent. If there is no financial independence, then we are not talking about independence.”

DAI’s Team Lead, Rudolf Elbling said that free, fair, and credible local government elections are the foundation of a functioning democracy at the grassroots level, as local government elections help to build strong, responsive, and accountable institutions that can effectively serve the community on the local level.

He said: “This study has the objective to investigate the impediments and difficulties SIECs face to organise credible government elections and produce recommendations for national and international stakeholders for cooperation and support, especially the National Assembly, State Assemblies, INEC, and international partners.

“Local governments play a critical role in addressing the everyday needs of citizens, such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Fair elections ensure that the best candidates, who understand the local issues and have the community’s best interests at heart, are elected.”

In his remarks, Election Administration Expert for DAI, Prof. Okechukwu lbeanu, stated that among the challenges SIECs face in conducting local elections include political interference, limited financial autonomy, and capacity constraints. 

“State governments often impede their independence, impacting the credibility of elections. Despite challenges, the Supreme Court’s recent judgment supports Local Government Councils’ autonomy, prompting reforms,” he said.

The study identified six key reform areas to strengthen SIECs in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities. They include: Creating a Coalition for Local Election Administration Reforms, implementing legal and technical reforms, and promoting the institutional development of SIECs and Forum of State Independent Electoral Commission of Nigeria (FOSIECON), their umbrella body.

Others are: Enhancing election observation by civil society, fostering collaboration between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and SIECs, and improving knowledge production and dissemination on SIECs. 

These reforms aim to secure SIECs’ independence, improve their functionality, and promote credible local elections.