The European Union (EU) has expressed solidarity with Nigeria, declaring full respect for the country’s sovereignty and reaffirming its commitment to strengthen cooperation in peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights protection.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, made the remarks during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
Mignot, while reacting to recent comments by US President Donald Trump threatening possible military action against Nigeria, said that the EU’s position was guided by “long-standing partnership and shared values” with Nigeria, not external influence.
He said: “Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria. Solidarity with the victims of violence, with the authorities working to protect citizens, and with the Nigerian people who overwhelmingly desire peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides.
“We respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality.”
He promised that the EU is ready to enhance its support in peace, security and defence matters, as well as through dialogue with all stakeholders, including civil society organisations and traditional and religious leaders.
Mignot, while assuring that the EU would continue to implement several peacebuilding initiatives across the country to promote peaceful coexistence, said: “We also support programmes on deradicalisation, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-members of non-state armed groups in the North-East.”
He assured of EU continued commitment to the protection of all communities, especially the minorities, with the freedom of religion and belief.
He also acknowledged that while Nigeria faces challenges in human rights and freedom of religion, its legal and institutional framework provides for fundamental freedoms.
He said: “The situation is not perfect, as in any country, but there exists a constitutional basis for the protection of human rights.
“It is up to Nigerian authorities and society as a whole to uphold and strengthen this environment of peaceful coexistence.”
The envoy stressed that the EU works closely with civil society organisations on projects promoting interfaith dialogue and good relations among religious communities.
He noted that the EU’s support is non-discriminatory, covering all victims of violence irrespective of the motives.
Mignot said the EU’s engagement with Nigeria remains steady and predictable, adding that the cooperation between both parties is not driven by what others do but by “shared interest in a stable, prosperous, and democratic Nigeria.”
Mignot disclosed that a peace, security and defence dialogue between Nigeria and the EU is expected soon as part of efforts to deepen strategic cooperation.
He emphasised that the EU’s guiding principle is to help Nigeria reinforce stability and prosperity and that the country’s future “lies firmly in the hands of Nigerians themselves.”
Michael Olugbode
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