By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria and the European Union are advancing technical consultations towards formalising a readmission agreement as both sides deepen cooperation on migration management, human trafficking and legal migration pathways.
The development followed a meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.
Mignot told the minister that technical work towards a formal Nigeria-EU readmission agreement was progressing, building on existing informal arrangements between Nigeria and individual EU member states. EU Council documents also show that the proposed agreement covers the return and readmission of people who no longer meet the conditions for entry, presence or residence in either jurisdiction.
The two sides discussed expanding cooperation on regular migration pathways, returns and readmission while ensuring that the rights and dignity of migrants are protected.
Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
The discussions also covered Nigeria’s forthcoming 2027 general elections, with Mignot informing the minister that the EU plans to deploy an Electoral Expert Mission rather than a conventional electoral observation mission.
The EU has previously confirmed that the mission will comprise two to four independent experts who will be formally accredited as observers by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The mission is expected to assess the electoral process against relevant international, regional and national commitments.
Mignot said the EU would continue supporting INEC, media organisations, civil society groups, political parties and the National Assembly in efforts to strengthen electoral processes and democratic institutions.
He also stressed the importance of electoral inclusivity, voter education and adequate preparations, including measures to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
Nigeria and the EU further underscored the importance of inclusive, peaceful and credible elections in promoting democratic stability across West Africa and reiterated support for efforts to strengthen ECOWAS’ capacity to advance democracy in the region.
Wider Nigeria-EU Cooperation
The meeting also examined cooperation on sustainable development, including the Global Green Bond Initiative and the Electrify Now initiative, which seeks to expand access to electricity and clean energy.
Other areas discussed included freedom of navigation, climate action, economic resilience and Nigeria’s broader development priorities.
On international affairs, the officials exchanged views on the war in Ukraine and its implications for food security and global commodity markets, as well as developments in the Middle East.
Nigeria and the EU reaffirmed support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and stressed the importance of multilateralism and stronger Africa-Europe cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Mignot also highlighted EU-supported cultural and youth programmes in Nigeria, including initiatives supporting young entrepreneurs in the North-West, the Lagos Biennial for Contemporary Arts, the Abuja Festival for Literature and Ideas and an illustrated-books project for children across Nigeria’s 36 states.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu welcomed the EU’s continued engagement with Nigeria and called for existing partnerships to translate into practical programmes and measurable outcomes aligned with Nigeria’s development priorities.
She stressed the importance of sustained dialogue on security, migration, economic development and democratic governance.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular consultations, strengthen high-level exchanges and improve follow-up through established diplomatic channels to support implementation of their areas of cooperation.
The latest discussions come as the EU continues work towards concluding a formal readmission agreement with Nigeria, an issue that has been under technical consideration within EU institutions.
