By Joy Obanya
Mr Gautier Mignot, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, says the 10th EU-Nigeria Business Forum will boost investment and create job opportunities for Nigerians.
The envoy made this known at the 2026 EU Day celebration which was held on Saturday, in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum, which is scheduled for June 25th, will be hosted in Lagos.
The ambassador said that the EU-Nigeria Business Forum is set to boost mutual benefit investments and promote partnership at all levels.
“I want to invite you to stay tuned with us as there would be upcoming initiatives and good news for our partnership.
“This is a significant one because on the 25th of June, we will organise in Lagos the 10th EU-Nigeria Business Forum to boost mutually beneficial investment and create job opportunities.
“This also comes with the support of our Global Gateway investment’s strategy,” Mignot said.
Also, Mignot reiterated that Nigeria and Europeans remain one despite the challenges facing the region.
“In these trouble times for our regions, our people, and for humanity as a whole, we are together, Europeans and Nigerians.
“We are navigating on stormy waters but with the same compass. The belief in progress, rule of law, mutually beneficial international cooperation and most importantly, human dignity and right.
“Many other nations represented today also subscribe to these principles.
He also remarked concerning the upcoming 2027 general elections, saying:
“We believe as well in democracy and trust that Nigerians will be up to their great democratic tradition on the occasion of the 2027 general elections”.
Furthermore, the ambassador thanked Nigerians for the warmth reception given to him during his tour across the states.
“I want to thank all those Nigerians who have welcomed me with open arms over the last year as I have continued touring the country.
“From Zamfara to Anambra, Katsina to Bayelsa, Lagos to Benue and Bauchi States. In all of the 20 states I have visited.
“I have witnessed not only Nigeria’s great diversity and dynamism, but also its unmatched hospitality.
“Our High Representative and Vice-President, Madam Jaja Kallas, also had a chance to enjoy the hospitality during her recent visit to Abuja and Lagos, and she was grateful for it”.
Mignot appreciated the presence of all member states colleagues present, adding that the event is a reminder of the union’s strength from the diversity of its member states.
“Distinguished officials, partners and friends from Nigeria, Europe and international community, on behalf of the whole European Union Delegation Team and ambassadors of our member states
“The presence of my member states colleagues is a reminder that our union draws its strength from the diversity and dynamism of its 27 member states.
“I thank you for joining us in the celebration of our Europe Day. We are strong because we are a united Team Europe.
“I am also glad to have on stage H.E. the Ambassador of Ukraine.
“A country which is courageously and successfully resisting the Russian aggression for more than four years is also progressing on its path towards membership to the EU,” the ambassador said.
In addition, he appreciated the representatives of the Federal Government and ECOWAS members present.
“I want to appreciate our partners represented from the federal and state governments, from our sister community ECOWAS.
“From our member states, the United Nations family, the civil society and from the private sector.
“The EU offer is special because it is based on this unique multiplicity of partnerships through which the funds that are invested is channelled to empower citizens, especially women and youth.
“Dear partners and friends, together for prosperity and jobs, together for peace and security, together to protect our planet, together to bring our people closer.
“Let’s scale up the EU-Nigeria partnership. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria, long live the European Union,” Mignot said.
Europe Day is celebrated annually on the 9th of May, to commemorate the declaration of a French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman in 1950.
Schuman’s speech paved way for an era of peace, integration and cooperation across the continent, laying the foundation for the European Union today.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Magdalene Ukuedojor
