EU Commissioner Brunner Strengthens Ties with Nigeria

On November 13, Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, met with key Nigerian officials in Abuja, including Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice; Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior; and Dr Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. This meeting aimed to enhance the European Union's engagement with Nigeria, particularly following the signing of the EU-Nigeria Readmission Agreement, which has strengthened bilateral cooperation on migration management.

The EU has allocated €66 million for new migration-related projects and €26 million for security actions, including countering small arms proliferation and drug trafficking. Additionally, the EU adopted a €20 million assistance measure under the European Peace Facility to support Nigeria's counterterrorism efforts.

Commissioner Brunner emphasized Nigeria's importance as a partner for Europe, highlighting the growing cooperation in security and migration management.