NIGERIA SEEKS STRATEGIC AFRICA-EUROPE PARTNERSHIP AT EURAFRICAN FORUM

NIGERIA SEEKS STRATEGIC AFRICA-EUROPE PARTNERSHIP AT EURAFRICAN FORUM

Nigeria has called for a stronger, more equitable and resilient partnership between Africa and Europe to address emerging global challenges and promote sustainable development.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the call while speaking at the 2026 EurAfrican Forum in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Minister said the growing challenges of armed conflicts, terrorism, climate change, food insecurity and disruptions to global supply chains require deeper cooperation founded on mutual respect and shared interests.

She stressed that Africa should no longer be viewed only from the perspective of humanitarian challenges or resource extraction, but as a strategic partner with vast human capital, natural resources and innovation potential.

Bianca Ojukwu outlined four key areas that should shape Africa-Europe relations, including strengthening economic resilience through industrialisation and technology, enhanced cooperation on peace and security, fair climate action supported by financing and technology transfer, as well as reforms of global institutions.

She also reiterated Africa’s call for greater representation in global decision-making structures, including a permanent seat for the continent on the United Nations Security Council.

The Minister noted that Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on economic diplomacy and partnerships that deliver mutual benefits.

She expressed Nigeria’s commitment to working with European partners to build a more balanced and strategic relationship that supports growth, stability and prosperity for both regions.