The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, has expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, saying they are generating meaningful opportunities for deeper investment and business partnerships between Nigeria and Europe. 

The ambassador made the remarks as both parties prepare for the 10th Nigeria-EU Business Forum, scheduled to take place in Lagos on June 25, 2026, a milestone event that underscores the growing depth of the bilateral relationship.

Mignot, speaking on the sidelines of recent economic engagements, described the Forum as a platform where economic ambitions are translated into practical outcomes. He said the tenth edition of the forum reflects the EU’s firm commitment to mobilising investment at scale and delivering sustainable economic impact in Nigeria.

The European Union, he noted, is not merely a development partner but a strategic political ally for Nigeria, with cooperation stretching across trade, energy, agriculture, digital transformation, security and governance.

The ambassador highlighted the EU’s position as Nigeria’s largest collective trading partner, accounting for approximately 27 per cent of Nigeria’s total trade well ahead of any other single trading bloc. He pointed to a recently signed €45 million agreement on digital development as evidence of the bloc’s concrete commitment to Nigeria’s transformation agenda, alongside ongoing support through the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy, which aims to mobilise private capital and create jobs across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning,, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, speaking ahead of the Lagos forum, said Nigeria remains focused on creating the conditions needed for sustained economic growth and investment. He described the forum as a critical vehicle for engaging investors and partners while advancing initiatives that support enterprise development, competitiveness and long-term prosperity.

Beyond business and investment, Mignot has also reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging technical assistance and capacity building for INEC, political parties and civil society.

On insecurity, the ambassador acknowledged the complexity of the challenge and said the EU is supporting peacebuilding, security capacity enhancement and institutional reforms in multiple regions of the country. With the 10th Business Forum on the horizon, both Nigeria and the European Union appear set to significantly scale up a partnership that is increasingly strategic, commercial and mutually dependent.