By Saminu Ibrahim
Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have intensified defence cooperation with the Federal Government working towards the implementation of a €20 million defence support package aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), disclosed this during a strategic meeting with a delegation from the European External Action Service (EEAS), led by Ms. Claire Gaudin in Abuja.
The €20 million package, approved under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in October 2026, represents the EU’s first-ever bilateral defence support package to Nigeria.
Musa said the assistance would significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of Nigerian troops, particularly in ongoing counterterrorism operations in the Lake Chad Basin.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to developing indigenous defence capabilities and achieving self-sufficiency in military equipment and production.
The Minister also urged the EU to leverage the opportunities created by the recently concluded Africa Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) to establish local defence production lines in Nigeria.
He further stressed 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 assistance focuses on non-lethal military supplies, including equipment, technical training and maintenance, Musa expressed optimism that subsequent phases would cover critical areas such as military medical support and advanced surveillance systems.
Earlier, Gaudin, who is the Head of the European Peace Facility at the EEAS, said the €20 million package would provide Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) equipment, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), night vision capabilities and personal protective equipment for Nigerian troops.
She explained that the priority areas were jointly identified and agreed upon with the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria following extensive bilateral consultations.
Gaudin added that Nigeria was among more than 20 African countries benefiting from the facility, which has 30 beneficiaries globally.
She noted that the support would complement wider regional security and stabilisation efforts, particularly through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
The meeting also explored opportunities for deeper cooperation in maritime security, especially in 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 funding instrument designed to strengthen the capacity of partner countries’ armed forces to prevent conflicts, promote peace and enhance international security.
