Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the European Union (EU) to deepen its engagement with Africa by becoming a co-creator of prosperity rather than a mere donor, stressing the need for practical outcomes from existing partnerships.
Shettima made the call on Thursday, May 15, during a meeting with a delegation from the EU led by its Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
His remarks were contained in a statement signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President).
“The EU are our natural allies and natural partners. I am guided by logic, rationality and not by sentiments. We see our relationship with the EU as a long-term goal because we have come a long way, and there is room for improvement,” Shettima said.
“Our expectations as Nigerians and as Africans are clear. We want this partnership to graduate from well-meaning commitments to transformative outcomes.
“We want more joint ventures, deeper trade facilitation under the AfCFTA, unchangeable investments in energy, education and digital inclusion,” he added.
The Vice President affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to leverage the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, which supports infrastructure and connectivity development. He emphasised Nigeria’s desire for partnerships in high-speed rail, modern ports, renewable energy, and skills development.
“We hope to see the EU move from being a donor to being a co-creator of African prosperity. We really want to be partners with the European Union, not as recipients of aid but as co-creators of prosperity and wealth,” he said.
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Highlighting shared values between Nigeria and the EU, including democracy, inclusivity, gender empowerment, and climate adaptability, Shettima noted, “We are literally on the same page with the EU on so many issues.”
He also praised recent efforts by the African Union Commission to redefine Africa’s global relevance, stating, “I believe they are poised to reposition Africa not just as a subject of global discussion but as a co-author of the world’s next chapter.”
EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to the continent, noting, “The EU is Africa’s first partner, its first trading partner, first investor, first provider of official development assistance, and first humanitarian donor.”
According to Mignot, the EU’s foreign direct investment in Africa stood at €309 billion in 2022, outpacing both the United States and China. He said the meeting also reviewed progress on the Joint Vision for 2030, a strategic roadmap tied to Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA.
In a separate engagement on the same day, Shettima received Dr Samuel Miambo, a special envoy of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for Zambia and its commitment to shared democratic values.
“Nigeria is proud of its shared heritage with Zambia, especially the country’s contributions to civil liberties liberation during the apartheid era, and its strong democratic heritage and stability since independence,” Shettima said.
Miambo sought Nigeria’s backing for his bid to lead the African Development Bank (AfDB), outlining a vision centred on energy security, infrastructure development, and the establishment of an African Centre of Excellence for Energy in Nigeria.
Accompanying him were Zambia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. George Imbuwa, and presidential advisers Mr Manfred Ndonuie and Mrs Elita Mwambazi.