EU, NIGERIA MOVE TO FINALISE DELIVERY MODALITIES FOR €20 MILLION DEFENCE SUPPORT PACKAGE
ABUJA — The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has held strategic discussions with a delegation of the European Union (EU) to finalise arrangements for the delivery of its €20 million defence support package to Nigeria under the European Peace Facility (EPF). The package represents the EU’s first-ever bilateral defence support initiative for Nigeria.
Receiving the European External Action Service (EEAS) delegation, led by Ms. Claire Gaudin, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House, Abuja, General Musa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to developing indigenous defence capabilities and achieving greater self-reliance in defence production.
The Minister welcomed the bilateral assistance, which was agreed upon in October 2026, describing it as a significant boost to the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), particularly in ongoing counterterrorism operations within the Lake Chad Basin.
General Musa urged the European Union to build on the momentum generated by the recently concluded Africa Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) by supporting the establishment of local defence production facilities and manufacturing lines in Nigeria. He also reiterated Nigeria’s determination to identify, track and dismantle terrorist financing networks across the globe, irrespective of their locations.
While noting that the current phase of the EPF support package focuses on non-lethal assistance, including equipment, technical training and maintenance, the Minister expressed optimism that subsequent phases would accommodate other critical areas, such as military medical support and advanced surveillance capabilities.
Earlier, the Head of the European Peace Facility at the EEAS and leader of the delegation, Ms. Claire Gaudin, explained that the €20 million package would provide Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) equipment, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), night-vision capabilities and individual protective equipment for troops deployed on operations.
She disclosed that the priority areas were jointly identified and agreed upon with the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria following extensive bilateral consultations.
Ms. Gaudin further noted that Nigeria is among more than 20 African countries benefiting from the European Peace Facility, which has supported 30 countries globally. She added that the assistance would complement broader regional stabilisation efforts, particularly those being undertaken through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both parties to explore avenues for strengthening cooperation in maritime security, with particular emphasis on the Gulf of Guinea.
Established in March 2021 by the 27 member states of the European Union for the 2021–2027 financial cycle, the European Peace Facility is an off-budget financial instrument designed to strengthen the capacity of partner countries’ armed forces to prevent conflicts, promote peace and enhance international security.
Signed:
Leah Katung-Babatunde
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence
