Nigeria, EU To Deepen Security, Trade Ties As Bianca Ojukwu Pushes Stronger Strategic Partnership
At a time when global uncertainty is reshaping diplomacy, Nigeria is looking to strengthen old alliances and build new bridges, particularly with the European Union, as it navigates challenges in security, trade and climate resilience.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the European Union across key sectors including trade, security, education, governance and technology.
She made this known during the 4th Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu Memorial Lecture, where the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, delivered the guest lecture on the theme: “Sustainable and Climate Resilience Future: Beyond Rhetorics.”
According to the minister, the presence of the EU envoy symbolised the strong and evolving partnership between Nigeria and the European Union, stressing that the collaboration had continued to yield tangible benefits in trade, governance, security cooperation and capacity building.
She noted that Nigeria’s foreign policy remains anchored on mutual respect, strategic partnerships, non-interference and the protection of national interest, while reaffirming the country’s leadership role within ECOWAS and across Africa in promoting peace, security and development.
Speaking on climate resilience, Bianca linked the lecture’s theme to the legacy of her late husband, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, describing him as a strong advocate of environmental preservation who believed that “trees were the silent guardians of our air, our soil and our future.”
She urged Nigerians to recommit to building a nation founded on justice, unity and shared prosperity through investment in education, stronger institutions and youth empowerment.
EU Ambassador Mignot described the minister as a key promoter of Nigeria-EU relations and emphasised that while climate action may be costly, failing to act would be far more damaging.
The memorial lecture, held at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University as part of its Founders’ Day celebration, honoured the enduring legacy of the late Igbo leader after whom the institution was renamed in 2014.
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