Nigeria, EU deepening economic cooperation through business forum, says FG

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has said Nigeria is committed to strengthening economic cooperation with the European Union as both parties prepare to convene the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum in Lagos on June 25, 2026.

According to a statement released by the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS on Sunday, Bagudu described the forum as a strategic platform for attracting investment, fostering partnerships and advancing initiatives that support enterprise development, competitiveness and long-term economic prosperity.

“Nigeria remains committed to creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth and investment. The Forum provides an important platform for engaging with investors and partners, strengthening economic cooperation, and advancing initiatives that support enterprise, competitiveness, and long-term prosperity,” he said in a statement ahead of the event.

The 10th edition of the Nigeria–EU Business Forum is expected to bring together senior government officials, investors, development partners and business leaders from Nigeria and Europe to explore opportunities for expanding trade and investment relations.

Organisers said discussions would focus on mobilising private capital, strengthening value chains and creating new opportunities for businesses operating across both markets. The event will also feature high-level policy dialogues, business-to-business meetings and an exhibition of investment-ready projects and innovative solutions.

The Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the forum had evolved into a key platform for translating economic ambitions into practical outcomes.

“The Nigeria–EU Business Forum has become a platform where ambition meets execution. This tenth edition underscores our shared commitment to mobilising investment at scale and delivering sustainable economic impact,” Mignot said.

According to the organisers, the forum will build on the outcomes of previous editions by facilitating new partnerships, strengthening investment pipelines and encouraging dialogue on policy reforms, financing and innovation.

The forum comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to attract foreign direct investment and accelerate economic growth through ongoing fiscal, monetary and business-environment reforms.

The European Union remains one of Nigeria’s largest trading and investment partners, with economic cooperation spanning sectors including agriculture, renewable energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital innovation and sustainable development.

Over the years, the EU has supported several initiatives aimed at promoting private-sector growth, improving access to finance, enhancing trade competitiveness and strengthening regional economic integration.

Established to deepen commercial and investment ties between Nigeria and Europe, the Nigeria–EU Business Forum has become a major platform for engagement between policymakers and the private sector. Its 10th edition is expected to reinforce investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy and create fresh opportunities for trade, investment and job creation.