By Reportcircle-Abuja
Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have opened a new chapter in their economic relations with the launch of the inaugural Senior Officials’ Trade and Investment Dialogue in Abuja, aimed at deepening collaboration, dismantling market barriers, and expanding opportunities for businesses on both sides.
The high-level meeting, co-chaired by Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Ms. Dora Correia, Director at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security, brought together senior officials to assess the current state of economic ties and chart a bold new course.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Gautier Mignot, hailed the dialogue as a landmark step in strengthening a partnership already worth billions in trade flows.
“This dialogue underscores the growing importance both sides attach to building a stronger, more sustainable trade and investment relationship,” Dr. Oduwole said.
Key discussions revolved around trade policy reforms, addressing regulatory bottlenecks, enhancing preferential trade arrangements, unlocking investment opportunities, boosting cooperation at the World Trade Organization (WTO), and identifying areas for joint development cooperation.
Both parties agreed the dialogue will be institutionalized, with the second round set to hold in Brussels in 2026.
The Nigeria-EU trade corridor, one of Africa’s most dynamic, is expected to see greater inflows of European investment into Nigeria’s manufacturing, technology, and energy sectors, while Nigeria seeks wider access for its exports into the EU market.
Analysts say the talks could reshape Nigeria’s economic future if followed with bold reforms and concrete action.
