EU Announces €290m Investment Package for Nigeria

The European Union has unveiled a €290 million investment package to support key sectors in Nigeria, including digitalisation, healthcare, agriculture, and migration management under its Global Gateway strategy.

The announcement was made during the 8th Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja, co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas.

The initiative reflects a renewed commitment by both parties to strengthen bilateral relations and drive economic development.

According to EU officials, a significant portion of the funding—€131 million—will be directed toward improving Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. This includes plans to expand broadband access through the rollout of 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables, aimed at providing faster and more affordable internet services across the country.

The investment will also support digital skills development and large-scale training programmes aligned with Nigeria’s technical talent initiatives.

In the agricultural sector, €86 million will be used to improve access to finance for businesses involved in cocoa and dairy production, while also promoting climate-smart farming practices. This includes support for smallholder farmers and local companies through funding channels such as the Bank of Industry.

Additionally, €16 million has been allocated to migration-related initiatives, including the reintegration of returning migrants and efforts to combat human trafficking and smuggling networks.

EU officials noted that the investments are designed to create sustainable jobs, strengthen infrastructure, and open up long-term economic opportunities for both Nigeria and Europe.

The package is also expected to align with Nigeria’s broader development agenda, supporting growth across critical sectors while enhancing cooperation between both regions.