The European Union and Nigeria launch first Peace, Security and Defence Dialogue and agree to enhance collaboration

(Main image: Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, left, and EEAS Deputy Secretary-General Charles Fries, right, co-chaired the first Peace, Security and Defence Dialogue between the European Union and Nigeria.)

This Dialogue is an important milestone in the strengthening of EU–Nigeria relations and sets the stage for deeper cooperation, launching new areas of work and reinforcing joint efforts on peace, security and defence. In the current challenging national and regional security context for Nigeria, the EU is ready to step up its support, while fully respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.

The first EU–Nigeria Peace, Security and Defence Dialogue was held in Brussels on 18 February 2026. EEAS Deputy Secretary-General Charles Fries and Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu co-chaired the exchange at the EEAS headquarters. They focused their exchanges on regional security issues and key thematic issues such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber and hybrid threats, disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) and peace mediation, identifying opportunities for enhanced cooperation.

A second part of the Dialogue was led by DG HOME Deputy Director-General Johannes Luchner, and focused on Transnational Organised Crime, including fight against drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings and migrant smuggling. Nigerian partners also welcomed the proposal to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with Europol as a response to the growing phenomenon of organised crime, affecting both Nigeria and the EU.

The Dialogue reaffirmed a broad convergence between the EU and Nigeria on values and international priorities, including their shared support to multilateralism and the rules-based international order. Nigeria’s approach grounded in the rules-based international order, including support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, reflects this alignment. 
Nigeria plays a central role in West Africa’s stability and is an essential partner for the EU in promoting peace and security in the region and across the continent. As Africa’s most populous country and largest economy, Nigeria represents nearly 60% of West Africa’s GDP and half of its population, giving it significant political and economic influence. 

Key Outcomes of the Dialogue

The Dialogue delivered several key outcomes that will guide the next phase of EU–Nigeria cooperation on peace, security and defence, including: 

• Commitment to deepen collaboration on regional stability.
• Strengthened joint efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism, with new support measures and strategic exchanges planned.
• Enhanced cooperation on maritime security and cybersecurity as well as Foreign manipulation and Interference (FIMI), building on existing regional frameworks and shared priorities.
• Launch of dedicated consultations on countering foreign information manipulation and interference, with capacity-building actions to follow.

These outcomes reflect a shared ambition to consolidate the EU–Nigeria partnership and address evolving security challenges through sustained political engagement and operational cooperation.

European Union, 2026

Longstanding EU–Nigeria Partnership

The EU and Nigeria have cooperated closely for more than a decade to address regional security threats in areas such as the Lake Chad Basin and the Gulf of Guinea. EU support has combined security, humanitarian, and development assistance, including DDR, mediation, criminal justice reform, and resilience-building initiatives.

Between 2015 and 2025, EU peace, security and defence cooperation with Nigeria amounted to over €700 million, with an additional €500 million in humanitarian assistance. Nigeria remains the largest EU partner on bilateral development support in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The EU remains the major contributor to the Multinational Joint Task Force for a total amount of € 234.4 million to date, with a substantial commitment. EU support has proven crucial to enhance the capabilities of the MNJTF, its responsiveness and coordination among contingents. 

This new Dialogue consolidates and strengthens the EU–Nigeria partnership and lays the foundation for enhanced collaboration on shared security priorities at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.