On Thursday, May 9, 2024 as in other years, the EU and its institutions across the world celebrated the vision that has made the block a global force for peace, prosperity and justice. For the Delegation in Abuja, it is also a day to celebrate the partnership between the EU and Nigeria.

This uniqueness of this partnership was in full display during the reception hosted by the EU Ambassador, Ms Samuela Isopi, at her residence. The quality and diversity of people that graced the occasion is a testimony to the value that both the EU and Nigeria place on this relationship. From the legislature to the executive branch, the government of Nigeria was fully represented.

Among the dignitaries were the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Defence, Mr Mohammed Badaru; Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; Min. of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ikperikpe Ekpo; Governor of Plateau State, Mr Caleb Mutfwang; Deputy Governor of Kano; Comrade Aminu Gwarzo; President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, among a host of others. This is not discounting the Ambassadors of EU Member States and others representatives of the diplomatic community, international organisations, the civil society and development partners.     

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“The European Union is a testament to the power of partnership, and the values that we celebrate today are values that unite us and inspire our work with our partners,” Amb Isopi said. She underlined the great value the EU places on its relations with Nigeria, citing the joint visit last October of EU Commissioners for International Partnerships and Energy, Jutta Urpilainen and Kadri Simpson for the EU-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue, a development that positioned Nigeria as a primary partner for the European Union.

“By now, EU cooperation with Nigeria tops global rankings whether in the energy and climate, digital, innovation, health or entrepreneurship areas. This is further amplified by our joint work with EU Member States and EU financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank, as Team Europe, which combines our strengths across most areas of cooperation,” she said.

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Deputy Speaker Kalu could not agree less, praising the partnership and pledging that Nigeria would continue to be a partner to the EU. “Our partnership spans across many dimensions – trade, culture, education, technology, peace, migration and governance. It is through these connection that we find common ground and build a future of shared progress,” he said.  

Nigeria’s award-winning singer-songwriter, Timi Dakolo, and influencer and Enioluwa Adeoluwa, himself a friend of the house, enriched the event with their scintillating performances.