The European Union has unveiled a fresh €290 million investment package for Nigeria, targeting key areas including digitalisation, healthcare, agriculture, and migration management. The announcement came during the 8th Ministerial Dialogue in Abuja, co-chaired by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas.
The investments reflect a renewed political commitment to strengthen the EU-Nigeria partnership. Speaking at the event, Kallas emphasized the importance of expanding EU engagement in Nigeria, noting that supporting the country’s “Renewed Hope” agenda is a shared priority. Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela added that the funds would modernize digital infrastructure, bolster the health system, and enhance agricultural development, creating sustainable jobs and long-term economic opportunities for Nigerians while opening new avenues for European collaboration.
A significant portion of the package—€131 million—is dedicated to digitalisation. This will fund upgrades in digital connectivity, services, and skills, including the rollout of 90,000 km of fiber optic cable across Nigeria in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, bringing more secure and affordable internet access to underserved areas. Investments will also support interoperable digital public infrastructure, data exchange systems, and large-scale training initiatives under Nigeria’s three-million Technical Talent programme, equipping the workforce with crucial digital expertise.
In agriculture, €86 million will improve access to finance for companies and smallholder farmers in the cocoa and dairy sectors while supporting policy development for climate-smart farming. A new European Investment Bank credit line will provide preferential financing through the Bank of Industry to promote sustainable production across these value chains.
On migration, the EU is committing €16 million to assist the reintegration of returning migrants and strengthen efforts against human trafficking and smuggling networks. These initiatives aim to build resilience, promote inclusive growth, and further solidify the EU’s partnership with Nigeria.
