By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The European Union (EU) Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee delegation, led by Mr David McAllister, on Tuesday met with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other principal officers of the Nigerian Senate, pledging to strengthen cooperation between both institutions in key areas of mutual interest, including security, trade, democracy, and women’s political participation.
McAllister, who heads the high-powered team currently touring West Africa, said the visit was aimed at deepening the EU’s engagement with Nigeria and gaining a clearer understanding of the region’s political and security dynamics.
“We are here to deepen our understanding of the situation in West Africa and to strengthen our partnership with Nigeria,” he stated.
“The European Union remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts toward stability, democratic governance, and sustainable development,” he added.
In his remarks, Akpabio described Nigeria as a natural ally of the European Union in Africa, noting that the Senate was committed to enhancing bilateral relations through stronger legislative cooperation in areas such as economic development, energy transition, migration management, and regional peacebuilding.
Akpabio said, “Nigeria is committed to strengthening its longstanding ties with the European Union. Our partnership must continue to reflect shared interests in security, trade, and governance, areas where both sides can benefit immensely,” he added.
The Senate President also used the opportunity to highlight the challenge of gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political space. He lamented the low number of women in elected office despite growing advocacy for inclusion.
Akpabio stated, “One of the issues we face is that women themselves often vote for male candidates, which limits the chances of female aspirants.
“We are working on innovative solutions, including constitutional amendments, to improve women’s participation in politics, with the support of organisations like the Black Women’s Forum.”
The EU delegation included the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Greta Mylott; Miss Zelaya Zorko; Miss Mata Tamido; General Christophe Gomart; Sebastian Tankman; and Sebastian Buharo. The team’s visit to Nigeria and Ghana forms part of a broader regional assessment of West Africa’s governance and security environment.
McAllister commended Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOWAS and its peacekeeping efforts in the subregion, particularly in addressing terrorism and instability across the Sahel.
He reaffirmed the EU’s readiness to collaborate more closely with Nigeria on counterterrorism, economic diversification, and climate resilience.
“The EU recognises Nigeria’s pivotal role in the stability and prosperity of West Africa,” McAllister said.
“We are eager to work with your government and legislature to address shared challenges such as insecurity, migration, and climate change,” he added.
The delegation is also scheduled to participate in the International Islamic Conference on Security and Governance in West Africa and the Sahel, slated for November 4–6, 2025, at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja.
Akpabio expressed optimism that the renewed dialogue between both parliaments would yield tangible outcomes, especially in promoting peace, regional integration, and sustainable development.
“Our collaboration must go beyond diplomatic niceties,” he said.
“Nigeria and the European Union can build a stronger bridge of cooperation that delivers real impact on security, governance, and prosperity for our people.”
The visit, observers noted, marks a significant step toward revitalising EU–Nigeria parliamentary diplomacy and setting a framework for deeper legislative engagement between Africa’s largest democracy and one of its most influential global partners
