Tag: European Union

The European Union (EU) has called on the federal government to prioritise the rights and protection of Nigerian children from all forms of discrimination and intimidation.

Speaking at the International Human Rights Day with the theme “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now – Advancing Rights and Protection for Children in Nigeria”, organised by the EU Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), EU officials highlighted the importance of protecting children.

The event marked the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism and the commemoration of the 2024 International Human Rights Day.

The EU Ambassador-designate to Nigeria and ECOWAS,Gautier Mignot emphasised the need for states to move beyond merely adopting the Child Rights Act and focus on its effective implementation.

Mignot stressed the urgency of safeguarding children’s rights, calling for increased government funding to address the needs of Nigerian children.

He said: “Children remain at the heart of our human rights strategy and are central to our external relations.

“Every child, whether in Europe or elsewhere, should enjoy the same rights and live free from discrimination or intimidation. While the adoption of the Child Rights Act across all states, including the FCT, is commendable, effective implementation remains the key challenge.”

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He urged the Federal Government to ensure children have unhindered access to education, healthcare, and social services, adding that adequate funding and institutional support are critical to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable.

Mignot also addressed the broader need for preventing and combating gender-based violence, highlighting the EU’s commitment to investing in prevention and protection measures.

He added: “At the European Union, we invest in prevention and protection—pillars fundamental to breaking the cycle of violence and safeguarding survivors. Together, these pillars form a powerful framework for creating a safer, more equitable world.”

He called for collective efforts to promote a culture of human rights, noting that neglecting human rights undermines democracy, erodes the rule of law, and weakens societal values of equality and social justice.

Mignot said: “Promoting and protecting human rights is challenging, but we must remain resilient in the face of barriers such as institutional resistance, lack of funding, or apathy. Advocacy for social justice must continue.”

Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu appealed to state governments yet to domesticate the Child Rights Act to do so urgently. 

He lamented the persistent issues of child labour and systemic failures in safeguarding children’s rights.

Kalu said: “Despite legislative milestones such as the enactment of the Child Rights Act in 2003, children in Nigeria continue to face significant challenges, including abuse, neglect, exploitation, and systemic failures in rights enforcement. As of today, 11 states are yet to gazette the CRA, leaving millions of children without adequate legal protection.”

He expressed concern over child labour, citing the National Child Labour Survey of 2022, which revealed that 24 million of Nigeria’s 62.9 million children are engaged in child labour, many in exploitative and hazardous conditions.

Kalu reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to prioritising the rights of children in legislative efforts and called for joint actions to eradicate child labour in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The European Union (EU) has called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government to commit to fully implementing the provisions of the National Disability Act.

The EU noted that while the Act outlines comprehensive policies and practices to accommodate and empower persons with disabilities, foster an inclusive environment that values diversity and promotes social equity, its impact remained null without effective implementation.

The organisation reiterated its commitment to prioritising the welfare of persons with disabilities through its disability-inclusive international partnerships and interventions in Nigeria.

It urged all levels of government and relevant stakeholders to allocate adequate resources to ensure the Act’s full implementation. 

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The EU Ambassador-designate to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot said this during a national dialogue in Abuja to mark this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities. 

The event with the theme: “Transformative Solutions to Disability-Inclusive Development in Nigeria,” was organised by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, with the support of the EU through the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

The Head of Governance, Security, and Migration Section at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ruben Alba Aguilera who represented Mignot, expressed concern over the exclusion of persons with disabilities in development planning.

He said: “People with disabilities are being left behind in development. Although inclusion is affirmed in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, many interventions still fail to include people with disabilities. Societal barriers continue to place them at increased risk of violence, poverty, poorer health outcomes, and limited access to education and employment opportunities. 

“This is not inevitable, and we must be deliberate about ensuring disability inclusion.”

Aguilera said that over 35 million Nigerians live with disabilities, with 9 out of 10 living below the poverty line.

“These individuals face daily struggles, and it is our collective responsibility to address their challenges,” he said.

While commending the federal government for passing the Disability Rights Law and establishing the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Aguilera stressed the need for swift implementation. 

He said: “A law is only as effective as its implementation. We cannot rest on our laurels; it is time to act and dedicate sufficient resources to make this law effective.”

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, reiterated the need for an inclusive society and highlighted funding challenges for disability-related projects.

The minister, who was represented by the Director of Special Needs Department, Sunday Hezekiah said: “While the Act mandates education, welfare, and other provisions for persons with disabilities, resources allocated by the National Assembly remain grossly inadequate.”

Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Ayuba Gufwan called for greater leadership and accountability in disability inclusion. 

He said: “Today is a day for stocktaking: where are we coming from, where are we now, and where are we heading?” 

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Abba Isa called for collaboration among policymakers, civil society organisations, and development partners to promote disability-inclusive development. 

He said: “Awareness is key. Ignorance of the law is no excuse; we must act now.”

The Head of Programme for RoLAC Programme, Danladi Plang stressed the importance of inclusion.

He said: “Sustainable development cannot be achieved without integrating the needs of persons with disabilities in planning and programming.”

The European Union (EU) has called on the federal and state governments to ensure that survivors of sexual and gender-based violence get justice and care.

The EU urged governments at all levels to give top priority to survivors of SGBV.

The Deputy Ambassador, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos said this in Abuja during the 10th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

Vergos said the number of cases of SGBV that are prosecuted is few, compared to the number of survivors.

He charged the government to take ownership of the campaign against SGBV by allocating more funding and ensuring that sexual and gender-based violence at designated institutions has all it requires to address the needs of the people.

He urged Nigeria to work towards tackling the menace of SGBV against women and girls across the country.

Vergos noted that an integrated approach remained the key to a sustainable solution to accelerating progress towards ending violence against women and girls.

He said gender-based violence is not a ‘women’s issue,’ but an issue of society, hence, combating it requires the whole society approach.

He further said while prevention is key to breaking the vicious cycle that perpetuates violence, protection ensures safeguarding and the immediate wellbeing of survivors.

He said: “Speaking openly about gender-based violence still can be a huge risk for survivors. The EU supports the creation of an environment where women and children are not only encouraged but also empowered to break the silence.

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“The EU’s commitment to addressing these issues, promoting gender equality, and strengthening support systems, underscores the determination to ensure that every survivor’s voice is heard and respected.”

Lauding the achievements of the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) spread across the 22 states of the country, Vergos said: “We are all pleased to see so much progress since the launch of the first centre, back in 2013. Today, there are 47 Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across 22 states in Nigeria, with over 35,500 survivors assisted within this period.”

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that the SGBV campaign this year will allow the government, development partners, civil society organisations, and the private sector to accelerate progress towards ending violence against women and girls.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was represented by the Director, Women Development in the ministry, Mrs. Friya Bulus said: “The campaign this year is to ensure sustained advocacy, raise awareness about gender-based violence, despite previous efforts made, and mobilise more stakeholders to take action against gender-based violence, and to provide support services to gender-based survivors.”

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, represented by the Director, HAGF, Bola Odugbesan explained that the persistence of SGBV in Nigeria remained one of the country’s most stressful challenges requiring not just its attention but concerted action.

He said: “Over the past years, we have made significant strides in our response to SGBV. Let me be clear, these challenges, while significant, are not insurmountable.

“Based on our experiences and recommendations from our frontline staff, we are implementing several strategic interventions.”

The Director, Africa and West Asia Region, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Dr. Roba Sharamo said: “It is important to understand that as we try to promote democracy and good governance, we cannot do that in an environment that is hostile to more than half of the African population, which are women. It is, therefore, important that we look at the issues of SGBV.

“SGBV against women is not just a serious human rights issue and justice issue, the increasing number of boys and men who suffer from sexual and gender-based violence does not also diminish the focus on the same.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a stronger partnership between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) to address malnutrition and other humanitarian challenges in the country.

He expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for the EU’s support noting there was a need for continued collaboration between the two partners.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by an EU delegation led by the outgoing EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Vice President expressed deep appreciation for Ambassador Isopi’s contributions during her tenure.

According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima told the envoy, “you have contributed significantly to strengthening the relationship between the EU and Nigeria. Your assistance in humanitarian efforts in the North East and North West, as well as in trade between our two nations, has been invaluable”.

Noting Nigeria’s strategic importance to the EU, Senator Shettima said, “Nigeria is the most populous nation on the continent and is projected to become the third most populous nation globally by 2050, after China and India. We appreciate your commitment and involvement in some of the most important programmes in Nigeria.”

The Vice President particularly commended Ambassador Isopi’s work in Nigeria, saying, “You have contributed immensely towards strengthening the relationship between the EU and Nigeria. You have midwifed many transactions and assisted in many humanitarian endeavors in the North East and the North West subregions.”

“You have been around for some of the epochal moments in Nigeria’s political evolution. You were part of the process that midwifed the current transition. You were actively involved in signing the peace accord with political parties prior to the 2023 elections. You have been the focal person even in championing humanitarian causes.

“We value the EU’s continued engagement and support, especially in humanitarian efforts and development initiatives. We need your support now more than ever, particularly in addressing humanitarian crises and security challenges in the Northwest,” he added.

Responding, Ambassador Isopi reflected on her three-year tenure in Nigeria, highlighting the progress and collaborations achieved, declaring that “after three memorable years, it’s time for me to say goodbye.

“Nigeria has been busy, and I leave with an even warmer feeling in my heart than when I arrived. Nigeria has made great progress, with much more development and improved infrastructure,” she added.

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The Ambassador emphasised the close collaboration between the EU and Nigeria, particularly with the office of the Vice President.

She said, “We’re proud of our collaboration with the office of the Vice President on many programmes. Your office has led the way, and we’ve been working diligently”.

“We aim to support Nigeria in peace and security. We’re very present and committed in the Northeast, and we’re now looking increasingly at the Northwest.

“We recently launched a new education programme there. We’ll continue to support the government’s efforts in humanitarian assistance, including new development actions in education and health.”

The Ambassador also noted the EU’s role in Nigeria’s economic development, saying, “We’re also very active in economic development, working closely with your office on several initiatives, particularly in agriculture. We’re supporting key value chains, especially in the North, as we know that creating jobs for youth is crucial.”

She expressed confidence in the future of EU-Nigeria relations, just as she said, “We want to reinstate our continued engagement and renewed determination from the EU to work with Nigeria. I’m sure my successor will find in Nigeria a good partner to further develop our relationship.”

The European Union has said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) delivered the 2023 general election despite facing enormous challenges.

The organization restated its commitment to supporting democratic governance in Nigeria.

It mentioned that a lot still needs to be done to improve the country’s electoral process, especially as the overall conduct and quality of the last elections did not meet the standards and expectations of INEC.

The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, made this known in Abuja, during the inaugural Steering Committee meeting of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme.

Isopi in a statement by the EU urged stakeholders to increase efforts towards strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.

She lauded the critical and essential support provided by the EU-SDGN cohort during the 2023 general election.

She said: “I think there are important lessons learnt from the elections last year. If I am not mistaken, INEC’s own assessment concluded by saying that the elections, let me just quote, ‘overall, the conduct and quality of the elections did not meet standards and expectations set by the Commission itself.’ I think that this is a conclusion in line with the conclusion of the main domestic and international observation missions. I think this provides an agreed basis, a common ground on which we can build our future work together.

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“At the European Union, we look forward to seeing how these reflections can be taken forward. As partners, we are ready to engage not only with all of you but also with relevant stakeholders to take that work forward.”

According to the statement, Isopi explained that the EU considers supporting democracy at home and outside its borders and working with partners to strengthen democracy worldwide, as essential.

She said: “We want to continue to support and invest in Nigeria; to invest in the largest democracy on the continent because this is also a message about the importance and the vitality of democracy in the region of West Africa where democracy is obviously backsliding.”

Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, expressed worries concerning the high number of court cases challenging the conduct of primaries by political parties.

He revealed that while many politicians file their cases in court, about 70 to 80 per cent of them end up being withdrawn either before the commencement of trial or soon thereafter.

This act, he stressed, wastes the time and resources of the Commission, as it would typically engage and pay lawyers for the cases.

The INEC chairman therefore called for more engagement with political parties to improve their internal democracy and the process of electing and nominating candidates for elections.

He said: “Election is not just about what INEC does, but the election is a multi-stakeholder responsibility. There are responsibilities that other people discharge and perform.

“From the data available in the Commission, we have observed that there have been more cases challenging the conduct of primaries by political parties than cases challenging the conduct of the election by INEC.

“For instance, with regards to post-election cases in 2023, we had over 1,300 cases, but at the end of the day, only 38 cases were upheld by the court. So, we conducted 38 court-ordered rerun elections. But year-in-year-out, we see 70 or 80 percent of them voluntarily withdrawn by the petitioners.

“Is there a way we can have a conversation with the political parties to improve internal democracy and the process of electing and nominating candidates for elections? They are right in a democracy to go to court, but is there a way we can have a conversation with them so that we can improve on that aspect?”

The Programme Steering Committee is co-chaired by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS and the Chairman of INEC, with membership consisting of representatives of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and the EU-SDGN II beneficiaries.

The Committee provides high-level policy support and oversight of the programme and ensures that the programme remains aligned and compliant with the EU and beneficiaries’ requirements and needs.

The European Union (EU) has joined hands with the Federal Government to tackle environmental waste in the country. 

The EU noted that waste pollution does not only significantly threatens human well-being and economic prosperity, but was also part of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Deputy Ambassador, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos said this during a programme in Abuja on Wednesday to commemorate this year’s International Zero Waste Day with the theme: “Beat Waste.”

This is the first time that the Day is being marked following its proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly last December.

This year, the EU is joining the Federal Ministry of Environment, including other stakeholders around the globe to mark the International Zero Waste Day in Nigeria. 

He said: “This year’s theme ‘Beat Waste’ underscores the top priority to prevent waste from being created in the first place! The International Day of Zero Waste highlights both the importance of bolstering waste management globally, and the need to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns.  

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“Every year humanity generates between 2.1 billion and 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste. However, global waste management services are ill equipped to handle this, with 2.7 billion people lacking access to solid waste collection and only around 60 per cent of municipal solid waste being managed in controlled facilities.”

He said without urgent action, annual municipal solid waste generation would hit 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050.

He said: “Recognising this major challenge, the European Union initiated the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE), spearheaded by the EU and UNIDO, with support from the United Nations Environment Programme, and also joined by Nigeria. The initiative fosters international collaboration to address plastic pollution, including in the marine environments. 

“It is in that vein that we partner with the Federal Ministry of Environment, currently co-chairing the Nigeria Circular Economy Working Group together with UNIDO. The group brings together all strategic stakeholders to boost the implementation of circular economy policies and practices at national and sub-national levels, with a view to an inclusive and green growth of the Nigerian economy.

“Our other contributions and achievements include the work on the National Policy on Waste Battery Management of 2021, support to NESREA on the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations of 2023, and last but not least the National Circular Economy Roadmap to be unveiled today.”