EU affirms support for Nigeria’s stability, dismisses foreign pressure over sovereignty
The European Union (EU) has reiterated its full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, emphasizing that its partnership with the country is based on mutual trust and long-standing cooperation—not on the influence of external actors.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, made this clear in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, following recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump urging sanctions against Nigeria over alleged religious persecution.
Mignot stressed that the EU remains firmly committed to working with Nigeria to strengthen peace, promote interfaith dialogue, and safeguard human rights across the country.
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“Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria — solidarity with victims of violence, with authorities striving to protect citizens, and with all Nigerians who aspire to live peacefully beyond ethnic and religious divides,” the ambassador said.
He reaffirmed that the EU and its member states “fully respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and its constitutional commitment to religious neutrality,” adding that cooperation would continue in areas of peace, security, and defence.
Mignot revealed that the EU is supporting several peacebuilding and reintegration programmes across Nigeria, including initiatives aimed at deradicalisation and the rehabilitation of former members of armed groups in the North-East.
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He also underscored the EU’s dedication to protecting all communities—particularly minorities—by upholding freedom of religion and belief.
“The situation is not perfect, as in any country,” Mignot admitted. “But Nigeria has a solid constitutional foundation for human rights protection. It is up to Nigerian authorities and citizens to nurture and strengthen this environment of peaceful coexistence.”
The envoy added that the EU continues to work closely with civil society organisations, traditional rulers, and faith leaders to promote tolerance and harmony.
According to him, the EU’s engagement with Nigeria remains “steady, predictable, and independent,” focused solely on shared goals of stability, prosperity, and democracy.
Mignot further disclosed that a high-level dialogue on peace, security, and defence between Nigeria and the EU is planned soon to deepen strategic cooperation.
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He concluded by affirming that the EU’s mission in Nigeria is to support—not dictate—its progress: “Our guiding principle is to help Nigeria reinforce stability and prosperity. The country’s future lies firmly in the hands of Nigerians themselves.”
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