By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have moved closer to implementing a €20 million defence assistance package designed to strengthen the country’s fight against terrorism, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), disclosed this on Friday during a strategic meeting with a delegation from the European Union at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
The meeting focused on finalising delivery arrangements for the support package approved for Nigeria under the European Peace Facility (EPF). The agreement, sealed in October 2026, marks the EU’s first-ever bilateral defence assistance package for Nigeria.
The €20 million support is expected to provide critical equipment and capabilities to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, including Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) equipment, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), night vision technology and personal protective gear for troops.
Speaking during the meeting, General Musa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening local defence production and reducing dependence on foreign military equipment.
He urged the European Union to build on the momentum of the recently concluded Africa Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) by supporting the establishment of defence manufacturing facilities in Nigeria.
The minister also stressed the need for stronger international cooperation to identify, track and dismantle terrorist financing networks, regardless of where they operate.
Although the current assistance package focuses on non-lethal military supplies, technical training and equipment maintenance, Musa expressed hope that future phases would cover additional areas, including military medical support and advanced surveillance capabilities.
Earlier, the head of the EU delegation and Head of the European Peace Facility at the European External Action Service (EEAS), Ms. Claire Gaudin, said the priority areas were jointly identified with the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria following extensive consultations.
Gaudin noted that Nigeria is among more than 20 African countries benefiting from the European Peace Facility, which supports 30 countries globally.
She explained that the assistance would complement wider regional security efforts, particularly operations under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which is involved in combating terrorism and insecurity around the Lake Chad Basin.
Both sides also discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation in maritime security, with particular attention to the Gulf of Guinea.
Established in March 2021 by the 27 EU member states for the 2021–2027 financial cycle, the European Peace Facility is an off-budget funding instrument designed to help partner countries strengthen their security capabilities, prevent conflicts and promote international peace and stability.
For Nigeria, the latest agreement represents an opportunity to improve troop protection, strengthen counterterrorism operations and deepen defence cooperation with international partners.
Source: Ministry of Defence / European External Action Service (EEAS).
