Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, met in Abuja to lay the groundwork for a structured trade and investment dialogue centered on a €1.3 billion EU investment portfolio. The talks underscored the EU’s role as Nigeria’s leading trading partner and a key source of foreign direct investment, and explored collaboration in infrastructure, green finance, and sustainable development sectors. Both sides welcomed the potential to accelerate Nigeria’s economic reforms, improve macroeconomic stability, and drive job creation through strategic projects such as the Trans‑Saharan Gas Pipeline.
High‑Level Investment Dialogue
On Wednesday, Minister Wale Edun hosted Ambassador Mignot at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja for discussions on strengthening EU–Nigeria economic ties through a €1.3 billion investment package.
The meeting drew on the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Strategy, aimed at financing infrastructure and sustainable development across Africa, including recent engagements by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Ambassador Mignot highlighted that the EU remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a leading source of FDI, endorsing a formal trade and investment dialogue framework to unlock further collaboration.
Focus on Key Sectors
Both parties agreed to explore joint ventures in critical areas such as renewable energy, transport infrastructure, and digital economy projects.
Ambassador Mignot pointed to Nigeria’s growing trade surplus and ongoing reforms as strong indicators of the country’s readiness for deeper EU investment.
Discussions also touched on the Trans‑Saharan Gas Pipeline, intended to bolster regional energy exports and integration.
Nigeria’s Reform Agenda
Minister Edun praised the EU’s proposal and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, fiscal consolidation, and investor‑friendly policies.
He showcased recent reforms, including the National Single Window trade facilitation system and adjustments to tax policy, designed to streamline business operations and attract private capital.
Edun also projected Nigeria’s GDP growth at 4.6 percent in 2025, driven by advancements in both oil and non‑oil sectors, particularly agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.
Path Forward and Implications
The pair agreed to launch a structured dialogue to oversee the implementation and monitoring of proposed investments.
This framework is expected to facilitate capital inflows, technology transfers, and job creation, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading investment destination in Africa.
With EU backing underpinned by a €1.3 billion portfolio and Nigeria’s reform momentum, the partnership aims to deliver sustainable economic growth and long‑term bilateral benefits.