The Federal Government of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations to tackle transnational organized crime.
Nigerian authorities also sought continued EU support for ongoing police reforms aimed at enhancing law enforcement effectiveness.
During a courtesy visit by the EU delegation, led by Ambassador Gautier Mignot, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, emphasized the need for collaboration in improving the Nigerian Police Force’s accountability and community engagement. He highlighted the EU’s expertise and resources as crucial for implementing key reforms.
Gaidam also acknowledged the EU’s role in supporting regional security initiatives such as the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS), which has improved coordination in combating transnational crime. He stressed the importance of sustained EU funding to ensure the system’s full implementation and long-term success.
Additionally, the minister expressed interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism efforts, and cybersecurity.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Anuma Nila, echoed the call for stronger collaboration, recognizing the EU’s contributions to security sector reforms, law enforcement capacity building, and efforts against human trafficking and terrorism. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to a modern, professional, and community-focused police force.
According to Nila, the Nigeria-EU partnership aims to raise policing standards, build trust between security agencies and citizens, and enhance community safety. Key focus areas include police training, community policing, digital forensics, and human rights-based law enforcement.
EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working with Nigeria and ECOWAS in dismantling criminal networks and protecting victims. He emphasized that the partnership is founded on shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, with policing at the heart of these principles.
