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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The European Union (EU) Heads of Delegation Accredited to West African Countries have restated their commitment to deepening ties with their host countries, particularly Nigeria.
The EU envoys made the affirmation during a reception held in their honour on the occasion of their visit to Nigeria.
Speaking during the reception, the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Samuela Isopi, said the decision to host the meeting in Nigeria was as a result of Nigeria being the political and economic power house of the West African region and currently holding the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Government and the fact that the ECOWAS Commission is domiciled in Nigeria.
Disclosing the outcome of their deliberations, Isopi said: “I think we have now exchanged a lot and we agreed that to face the challenges, we have to work together; we have to support ECOWAS, we have to support the people of ECOWAS countries and we exchanged ideas on how to do that.”
Earlier, Isopi said the envoys and their hosts had a number of meetings, which were extremely useful and enlightening.
“We have ambassadors that are based in Mali, Niger, Guinea Conakry, so I think it was very important also for the interlocutors we met today on the Nigerian side and ECOWAS side, to listen from those that are on the ground and to discuss how we can best work together,” Isopi also said.
Speaking earlier, the EU Head of Division, West Africa and former Deputy Head of Delegation to Nigeria, Richard Young, said it was great to be back to Nigeria.
Young disclosed that the EU managed to bring its 11 ambassadors in West Africa to Nigeria, adding that it was quite exciting for him to have time to visit Nigeria, talk to the people, engage with the people and find out what is happening in the country.
“I think things can improve with Nigeria’s activity, Nigeria’s role in the region,” Young stated.
In his remarks, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said under the leadership of Isopi, relations continued to evolve between Nigeria and the EU in Nigeria.
