EU Grants €300,000 To Strengthen Eurocham Nigeria’s Advocacy And Engagement

Boosting Institutional Growth and Trade Relations

The European Union (EU) has announced a €300,000 grant aimed at enhancing the operations of Eurocham Nigeria, officially known as the European Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria. This financial support will bolster the chamber’s secretariat, expand its advocacy efforts, and strengthen its engagement with key stakeholders.

EU’s Commitment to Eurocham Nigeria

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, disclosed this development at the 25th Annual Stakeholders Conference of Eurocham Nigeria in Lagos. He emphasized that the three-year grant will significantly improve the chamber’s role in policy advocacy, fostering a more business-friendly environment for European companies operating in Nigeria.

“This financial support will strengthen the Chamber’s administrative capacity and allow further expansion of external activities and advocacy work on behalf of its members,” Mignot stated.

He further noted that this initiative is designed to boost trade and investment between Nigeria and the EU, reinforcing the strategic partnership that exists between both regions.

Strengthening EU-Nigeria Trade Relations

The EU remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a key source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and development funding. Mignot highlighted the EU’s commitment to strengthening governance structures and collaborating with bilateral chambers to create opportunities in trade, investment, and infrastructure.

He reiterated that the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, a four-year initiative aimed at improving infrastructure in Nigeria and other African countries, would ensure better recognition and visibility for EU-funded projects.

Major EU-Funded Initiatives in Nigeria

Under the Global Gateway Strategy, the EU is actively supporting several development projects in Nigeria, including:

Omi Eko Water Transportation Initiative – Improving water transport infrastructure in Lagos.
Digital Skills Training – Upskilling Nigerian youths in technology and digital innovation.
90,000 km Fibre Optic Cable Deployment – Expanding broadband connectivity across Nigeria.
Investments in Key Sectors – Supporting agriculture, renewable energy, vaccine manufacturing, and sustainable transportation.

“Investments in these sectors are critical, and we rely on the Chamber to help identify opportunities, attract investors, and advocate for a conducive business environment,” Mignot added.

The Role of Eurocham Nigeria in Economic Development

With this grant, Eurocham Nigeria is expected to take a more active role in fostering business-friendly policies and promoting European investments in Nigeria. By working closely with the Nigerian government and policymakers, the chamber will facilitate trade growth, enhance investor confidence, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The EU has allocated €300,000 to support Eurocham Nigeria’s institutional development.
✅ The grant will enhance policy advocacy, external engagement, and trade facilitation.
✅ The EU is Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a major FDI source.
✅ Key EU-funded projects include digital skills training, water transport initiatives, and broadband expansion.
✅ Eurocham Nigeria will play a vital role in strengthening Nigeria-EU economic relations.