Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The European Union has committed €55 million to strengthen Nigeria’s health sector, focusing on local production of medicines and vaccines, as part of a broader €290 million investment package aimed at deepening ties with the country.
The funding was announced during the Eighth Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja, co-chaired by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas.
According to the EU, the health investment will support access to finance for pharmaceutical companies and build technical skills within the workforce.
A new credit line from the European Investment Bank will provide preferential loans through the Bank of Industry to companies involved in local drug and vaccine production.
The health intervention forms part of a wider package covering digitalisation, agriculture and migration management under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, with seven new projects planned.
Speaking at the event, Kallas said the EU is seeking to strengthen its partnership with Nigeria in response to global developments.
“In the current geopolitical context, the European Union is keen to enhance its partnership with Nigeria. Bringing more EU investment to Nigeria, aligning with the Renewed Hope agenda for the Nigerian Federal Government is a key priority for both sides,” she said.
EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said the investments are designed to improve infrastructure and support long-term economic growth.
“Together with Nigeria, we are investing in the modernisation of the digital sector, a stronger health system and in the development of agriculture,” he said.
Beyond health, €131 million of the package is allocated to digital development. The EU said the funding will expand internet access and improve digital services nationwide.
In partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the initiative includes plans to roll out about 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable to improve connectivity and lower costs for millions of Nigerians without reliable internet access. It will also support digital public infrastructure and skills development programmes.
The agriculture sector will receive €86 million, targeting cocoa and dairy value chains. The funding is expected to improve access to finance for businesses and smallholder farmers, while supporting climate-smart practices and Nigeria’s goal of increasing milk production and boosting cocoa exports.
The EU also set aside €16 million for migration-related programmes, including support for returning migrants and efforts to combat human trafficking. The funding will support reintegration and strengthen collaboration with Nigerian security agencies.
Officials said the latest investment builds on existing EU-backed projects in Nigeria, including transport development in Lagos, renewable energy initiatives, and programmes supporting democracy and the fight against gender-based violence.
The EU added that the new commitments bring total Team Europe support to Nigeria since 2025 to about €962.5 million, reflecting what both sides describe as a growing partnership.
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