The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its solidarity with Nigeria, expressing full respect for the country’s sovereignty and pledging stronger cooperation in peacebuilding, human rights protection, and interfaith dialogue.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, stated this in Lagos on Tuesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), while reacting to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat of possible military action against Nigeria over alleged religious persecution.
According to Mignot, the EU’s engagement with Nigeria is anchored on “a long-standing partnership and shared democratic values,” not on the influence or decisions of other nations.
“Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria — solidarity with the victims of violence, with the authorities protecting citizens, and with all Nigerians who desire peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic or religious divides,” he said.
Mignot reiterated that the EU respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and its constitutional commitment to religious neutrality, adding that the bloc is ready to deepen support in peace, security, and defence through collaboration with government institutions, civil society groups, and religious leaders.
He disclosed that ongoing EU-funded programmes focus on peacebuilding, deradicalisation, and the reintegration of ex-combatants in the North-East. “We remain committed to protecting all communities, especially minorities, and upholding freedom of religion and belief,” he added.
While acknowledging challenges in human rights and religious freedoms, the ambassador said Nigeria’s legal framework still guarantees fundamental liberties.
“The situation is not perfect, but Nigeria’s Constitution provides a solid foundation for human rights protection. It is up to Nigerian authorities and society to uphold and strengthen this environment of peaceful coexistence,” he noted.
Mignot stressed that the EU’s partnership with Nigeria is “steady, predictable, and guided by shared interest in a stable, prosperous, and democratic Nigeria,” not dictated by external pressures.
He also announced plans for a forthcoming Nigeria–EU peace, security, and defence dialogue aimed at enhancing strategic cooperation between both sides.
“Our guiding principle remains to help Nigeria reinforce stability and prosperity — but ultimately, Nigeria’s future lies firmly in the hands of Nigerians themselves,” he concluded.
Trump had earlier designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” accusing the government of permitting the killing of Christians and warning that the U.S. would halt all assistance if the alleged persecution continued.
