The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its solidarity with Nigeria, pledging full respect for the country’s sovereignty and a renewed commitment to deepening cooperation in peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights protection.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
Reacting to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting possible military action against Nigeria, Mignot stressed that the EU’s relationship with Nigeria is guided by a long-standing partnership based on “shared values and mutual respect,” not external influence.
“Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria — solidarity with 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,” he said. “We respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality.”
Mignot said the EU remains committed to supporting Nigeria in peace, security, and defence through dialogue with government institutions, civil society organisations, and traditional and religious leaders.
He noted that the EU is implementing several peacebuilding programmes across Nigeria, including initiatives on deradicalisation, demobilisation, and reintegration of former members of non-state armed groups in the North-East.
“The EU will continue to stand for the protection of all communities, particularly minorities, with full respect for freedom of religion and belief,” Mignot added.
While acknowledging challenges in human rights and religious freedom, the envoy commended Nigeria’s legal framework for safeguarding fundamental rights, saying: “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.”
Mignot emphasized that the EU’s engagement in Nigeria is inclusive and non-discriminatory, supporting all victims of violence regardless of background or motive.
He disclosed that a peace, security, and defence dialogue between Nigeria and the EU will soon be convened to deepen strategic cooperation.
“The EU’s guiding principle,” he said, “is to help Nigeria reinforce stability and prosperity. The country’s future lies firmly in the hands of Nigerians themselves.”
