International
EU Unveils Bold Plan to Boost Jobs and Industrial Growth in Nigeria
- EU to Create More Jobs and Support Nigeria’s Industrial Growth
- This initiative aims to improve connections between people
- EU to work with Companies Abroad to Create Jobs
The European Union (EU) has promised to help create jobs in Nigeria through its Global Gateway program.
This initiative aims to improve connections between people, boost green energy, expand the digital economy, and support inclusive growth in Nigeria and other partner countries.
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Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, explained that the EU will work with European companies to invest in Nigeria. This will bring direct benefits to Nigerians, especially by creating jobs and supporting businesses.
Key Projects in Nigeria
Under the Global Gateway, the EU will focus on:
Omi Eko – a water transport project in Lagos
Renewable energy – investment in solar and small hydropower
Vaccine production – the MAV+ project
Education programs – Erasmus+ and Horizon programs
The EU believes Nigeria has great potential for business and entrepreneurship. Therefore, its investment will focus on sectors such as:
Green economy
Digital technology
Agriculture and food production
Healthcare
Ambassador Mignot emphasized that Nigeria’s industrialization is important to the EU, and they want to help increase local production and job opportunities.
EU’s Role in Nigeria’s Economy
The EU is Nigeria’s biggest trade and investment partner. In 2023, Nigeria’s trade with the EU was €35 billion, making up 28% of Nigeria’s total trade. Nigeria also enjoys a €10.7 billion trade surplus with the EU.
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On foreign investment, the EU is Nigeria’s biggest investor, with €26.4 billion invested in the country in 2022. Many EU companies operate in Nigeria, following strict rules on anti-corruption, environmental protection, and labor rights. These companies create jobs and offer training in management, technology, and vocational skills.
EU Support for Development and Humanitarian Aid
Beyond business, the EU is investing in:
Health and education
Good governance and human rights
Migration issues
Social protection programs
The EU has also increased its focus on Northern Nigeria, where it supports projects to meet the region’s unique development needs. From 2021 to 2027, the EU will provide €731 million in grants to Nigeria, along with other financial support.
Additionally, the European Investment Bank is financing projects in digital technology, agriculture, transport, and employment for youth and women, with a total investment of €1.3 billion. Soon, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will also begin operations in West Africa, creating more financing options, especially for private businesses.
Humanitarian Support
The EU is one of Nigeria’s biggest humanitarian donors, helping people affected by conflict, violence, and natural disasters. The EU’s humanitarian aid focuses on:
Food security and nutrition
Shelter and protection
Water, sanitation, and education in emergencies
So far, the EU and its member countries have provided €102 million in humanitarian support to Nigeria.
Strengthening EU-Nigeria Partnership
Ambassador Mignot, who arrived in Nigeria in September 2024, said he wants to strengthen the EU-Nigeria relationship. He assured that the EU is a reliable and long-term partner for Nigeria.
He also expressed hope that Nigeria will continue to be a strong and stable country in Africa, with a prosperous economy and a thriving democracy where all citizens enjoy their rights. The EU, he said, is committed to
supporting this progress while fully respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.
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