EU Insists on Respecting Nigeria’s Sovereignty

The European Union has reiterated its respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, emphasizing that its partnership with the country remains rooted in mutual cooperation, peacebuilding, and the promotion of human rights — not external influence.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, made this known on Tuesday in Lagos during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), clarifying the EU’s position following recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Nigeria.

Mignot explained that the EU’s stance is shaped by its enduring relationship with Nigeria and not by the opinions of other nations.

“Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria — with the victims of violence, with authorities working to safeguard lives, and with the Nigerian people who aspire to peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides,” he said.

He reaffirmed that the EU and its member states fully respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and its constitutional commitment to religious neutrality. According to him, the Union is ready to strengthen its cooperation with Nigeria in areas of peace, security, defence, and dialogue involving civil society, traditional, and religious leaders.

Mignot added that the EU continues to support peacebuilding programmes across the country, including deradicalisation, demobilisation, and reintegration initiatives for former members of armed groups in the North-East.

He further emphasized the EU’s dedication to protecting all communities, particularly minorities, and promoting freedom of religion and belief. While acknowledging that Nigeria still faces human rights challenges, he noted that the country’s legal and institutional frameworks provide a foundation for protecting fundamental freedoms.

“The situation, as in any country, is not perfect, but there is a constitutional basis for the protection of human rights. It is up to Nigerian authorities and society at large to sustain and strengthen this environment of peaceful coexistence,” he stated.

Mignot explained that the EU’s support is impartial, assisting all victims of violence regardless of the motives behind the conflicts. He also noted that the EU’s engagement with Nigeria remains stable and predictable, guided by shared goals rather than external influence.

“The cooperation between Nigeria and the EU is built on common interests in a stable, prosperous, and democratic Nigeria,” he said.

He disclosed that a new dialogue on peace, security, and defence between Nigeria and the EU is expected soon as part of ongoing efforts to deepen strategic collaboration.

Mignot concluded that the EU’s guiding principle is to help Nigeria strengthen its stability and prosperity, noting that “the country’s future lies firmly in the hands of Nigerians themselves.”