EUROPEAN UNION
Abayomi Susan
The European Union (EU) has announced a €290 million investment package for Nigeria, aimed at strengthening healthcare manufacturing, agricultural value chains, digital infrastructure, and migration management. This move is part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to promote sustainable development and economic growth in partner countries.
The investment package includes €131 million for digitalisation, which will support the rollout of approximately 90,000 kilometers of fibre-optic cable across Nigeria, improving internet access and digital services for about 33 million Nigerians who currently lack reliable connectivity. This initiative will also support the development of secure digital public infrastructure and contribute to Nigeria’s technical talent development initiative.
In the healthcare sector, €55 million will be invested to increase access to finance for pharmaceutical and vaccine production through the Bank of Industry, backed by the European Investment Bank. This aims to strengthen local manufacturing of medical products, enhance supply chain resilience, and improve public health outcomes.
Agriculture will receive €86 million, focusing on sustainable cocoa and dairy value chains, offering financing and technical assistance to farmers and SMEs. This investment is expected to improve productivity, processing capacity, and market access for local agribusinesses.
The EU’s investment package also includes €16 million for migration management, supporting reintegration of returning migrants and efforts to combat human trafficking networks. This initiative aims to provide social, economic, and psychological assistance to voluntary returnees while strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to tackle smuggling and trafficking.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has committed to investing €50 million in Nigeria’s healthcare manufacturing industry, supporting local companies producing pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and diagnostic products. This investment is part of the Human Development Accelerator programme, backed by the European Commission and implemented by the EIB in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
This investment package is expected to create sustainable jobs, strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience, and promote regional trade across West Africa. The EU’s total commitments to Nigeria since 2025 now stand at €962.5 million, highlighting growing collaboration between both partners .
The EU’s investment is aligned with Nigeria’s development objectives, including improving self-sufficiency in healthcare and expanding dairy production, while also supporting the African Union’s target of producing 60% of vaccines and essential medicines locally by 2040.
