Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a deepening of the partnership between Nigeria and the European Union, focusing particularly on tackling malnutrition and other humanitarian challenges. During a recent visit from an EU delegation led by the outgoing EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima conveyed Nigeria’s gratitude for the EU’s support and emphasized the need for ongoing cooperation.
Shettima commended Ambassador Isopi for her substantial contributions throughout her tenure, highlighting her role in enhancing the EU-Nigeria relationship. He acknowledged her critical support in humanitarian efforts across Nigeria’s North East and North West regions, as well as in promoting trade between the two entities.
The Vice President underscored Nigeria’s strategic significance to the EU, noting its position as Africa’s most populous country and its projected future ranking as the third most populous nation globally by 2050, after China and India. He expressed appreciation for the EU’s involvement in major programs within Nigeria.
Shettima also praised Isopi for her involvement in pivotal moments of Nigeria’s political evolution, including her role in facilitating the current political transition and her participation in the peace accord signing with political parties ahead of the 2023 elections. He stressed the necessity of the EU’s continued engagement, especially in addressing humanitarian crises and security challenges in the Northwest.
In her response, Ambassador Isopi reflected on her three-year tenure in Nigeria, noting the progress and collaborations achieved. She expressed a sense of fulfillment and warmth, citing Nigeria’s advancements in development and infrastructure. The Ambassador highlighted the strong partnership between the EU and the Vice President’s office, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in peace, security, education, and economic development.
Isopi assured that the EU would maintain its focus on humanitarian assistance and development actions, including new programs in education and health. She expressed confidence in the future of EU-Nigeria relations and the continued support of her successor in furthering the partnership.
The meeting was also attended by Zissimos Vergos, the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation, and Osaro Odewingie, the Political Adviser to the EU in Nigeria.
WRITTEN BY; BLOSSOM AND CHRISTOPHER