The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s peace and security initiatives while calling for stronger protection of vulnerable communities and accountability for violence across the country.
The call came from a delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by its Chair, David McAllister, during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
The briefing followed a three-day working visit to Nigeria, from October 26 to 28, 2025, during which the lawmakers held talks with senior government officials on terrorism, insecurity, and human rights.
McAllister said terrorism and insecurity were key topics in their engagements, noting that extremist violence in Nigeria was driven by poverty, unemployment, resource competition, and weak governance rather than ideology alone.
“The terrorist threats in Nigeria played an important role during our conversations. Many factors contribute, including poverty, unemployment, resource competition, weak governance, and environmental stress such as desertification,” McAllister said.
He emphasized that the European Parliament expects Nigerian authorities to ensure equal protection for all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
“We expect all groups, all religions, and all vulnerable communities to be protected by the Nigerian authorities,” he added.
The six-member EU delegation, drawn from five European countries and representing different political groups, met with several Nigerian officials including Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; and Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission.
The lawmakers also held discussions with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, and representatives of the ECOWAS Parliament, as well as civil society organisations and EU member state ambassadors in Abuja.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, reiterated the bloc’s commitment to peace and stability, saying the EU would continue to support governance reforms and disarmament programmes.
“We stand by Nigeria to help its authorities face this situation,” Mignot stated.Željana Zovko, Vice-Chair of the Committee, expressed concern over rising cases of religious persecution and insecurity, particularly against Christians and others opposing extremist ideologies.
She noted that the European Parliament had passed three resolutions condemning persecution in Nigeria, adding that the issue remains a matter of serious concern.
“We questioned why adequate protection and accountability have not been ensured for those affected,” Zovko said.
She urged Nigerian authorities to uphold transparency, equality before the law, and public investigations into all crimes — whether against Christians, Muslims, or any group.
“These discussions must be open and public here in Abuja. All crimes committed against Christians, Muslims, or anyone not sharing a radical ideology must be addressed,” she added.
Zovko also raised concern about equality under Sharia law in some northern states, describing the situation as “a serious concern” requiring closer scrutiny.
Reporting by Sandra Chukwugekwu