EU Reaffirms Strong Support for Nigeria’s Sovereignty and Security Amid US Criticism

The European Union has reiterated its firm support for Nigeria’s sovereignty and security, emphasizing long-standing partnership and cooperation focused on peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights protection. This reaffirmation comes in response to recent critical remarks by US President Donald Trump towards Nigeria, which included threats of military action and aid suspension over allegations of religious violence.

Speaking in Lagos, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, stated the EU’s stance remains independent of external influences and is grounded in shared values with Nigeria. He expressed solidarity with Nigeria’s victims of violence, the authorities safeguarding citizens, and the Nigerian people’s aspirations for peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides. The EU also respects Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to religious neutrality.

Mignot underscored the EU’s readiness to enhance support in peace, security, and defense, while continuing dialogue with civil society, traditional, and religious leaders. The EU has ongoing peacebuilding initiatives nationwide, including programs for deradicalization, demobilization, and reintegration of former non-state armed group members in the Northeastern region. Importantly, the EU advocates protecting all communities’ freedom of religion and belief, especially minorities.

Acknowledging challenges in human rights and religious freedoms, Mignot noted Nigeria’s legal framework offers a constitutional basis for fundamental freedoms, urging Nigerian authorities and society to uphold and strengthen peaceful coexistence. The EU’s assistance operates on a non-discriminatory basis, supporting victims irrespective of the motivation behind violence.

Furthermore, Mignot revealed plans for an upcoming peace, security, and defense dialogue with Nigeria to deepen strategic cooperation, emphasizing that Nigeria’s future stability and prosperity ultimately lie in the hands of Nigerians themselves.

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This stance contrasts sharply with that of former US President Donald Trump, who recently labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” due to alleged anti-Christian violence and threatened swift military intervention and aid cuts if the violence continued. The EU’s message stresses partnership, respect for sovereignty, and collaborative peacebuilding rather than unilateral punitive measures.

The EU remains a steady and predictable partner committed to Nigeria’s stability and democratic development, focusing on peace and security as crucial foundations for progress in one of Africa’s most populous and strategically important countries ​.