Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has held strategic talks with a delegation from the European Union (EU) to finalise delivery modalities for the €20 million defence support package granted to Nigeria under the European Peace Facility (EPF), the EU’s first-ever bilateral defence package for the country. This was contained in a statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation.
Receiving the European External Action Service (EEAS) delegation, led by Ms. Claire Gaudin, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters (Ship House) in Abuja, General Musa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to building indigenous defence capacities toward self-sufficiency. He welcomed the bilateral assistance, sealed in October 2026, noting that it will significantly bolster the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in ongoing counterterrorism efforts, particularly within the Lake Chad Basin.
General Musa urged the European Union to leverage the momentum of the recently concluded Africa Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) to establish local defence production lines in Nigeria. He further emphasised Nigeria’s resolve to track and dismantle terrorist financing networks globally, regardless of where they operate.
While noting that the current EPF tranche focuses on non-lethal supplies comprising equipment, technical training, and maintenance, the Minister expressed optimism that critical areas such as military medical support and advanced surveillance would be incorporated into subsequent phases of the programme.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Head of the European Peace Facility at the EEAS, Ms. Claire Gaudin, stated that the €20 million facility will fund Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) equipment, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), night vision capabilities, and individual protective gear for deployed troops. She noted that these priority areas were jointly agreed upon with the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria following extensive bilateral consultations.
Ms. Gaudin added that Nigeria joins over 20 African nations among the 30 global beneficiaries of the EPF, with the support complementing broader regional stabilization efforts under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). Both parties also explored deeper collaboration on maritime security, particularly across the Gulf of Guinea.
Established by the 27 EU member states in March 2021 for the 2021–2027 financial cycle, the European Peace Facility is an off-budget financial instrument designed to enhance the capacity of partner armed forces worldwide to prevent conflict, build peace, and strengthen international security.
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