The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, has called for a unified national effort to confront rising insecurity across the country, stressing that preventing violence in Northern Nigeria requires collective responsibility anchored in dialogue, community engagement, and government leadership.
Zig Diaries Diplomacy
Date: Thursday, 04 December 2025
Time: 12:00 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria
The envoy who was addressing the participants at noted that Nigeria’s security challenges, marked by attacks, kidnappings, and community-level disruptions, have reached a scale that demands urgent, coordinated engagement across all levels of society.
He explained that the EU stands firmly with Nigeria in the face of widespread violence affecting families, communities, and fundamental freedoms, especially in northern regions where recent events have raised national and international concern.
“It is a fact that there are many drivers for violence in Nigeria, and that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines. They disrupt the full enjoyment of fundamental rights, including freedom of religion and belief.”
“We support Nigeria in its effort to fight violence and insecurity across the country and address the complex drivers of conflict.”
“We must acknowledge the complexity of this challenge. Of course, in any state, security is a primary responsibility of government, but the whole of society’s endeavour is required to reduce and prevent violence and conflicts in Nigeria.”
The ambassador highlighted that violent attacks, including recent abductions in Niger State, continue to generate deep anxiety nationwide, echoing past incidents that shook communities and tested national resilience. He emphasized that solidarity with victims and affected families remains at the centre of the EU’s engagement.
Mignot reaffirmed that the EU has consistently partnered with Nigerian authorities and local stakeholders to fund security, peacebuilding, and conflict-prevention programmes across states and communities. He stressed that these interventions address not only immediate threats but also long-term root causes, including education gaps and climate-related pressures.
He described the National Peace Committee dialogue as a timely and necessary platform, given the urgency of current security developments and the importance of joint action among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society, and international partners. The EU, he added, is honoured to co-sponsor the dialogue alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre.
Looking ahead, Mignot said the EU will deepen support through its upcoming Peace, Security, and Defence Dialogue with Nigeria, noting that EU Member States are also committed to strengthening coordinated assistance that advances stability and resilience.
He expressed hope that the consultations will produce clear, implementable recommendations informed by the lived experiences of communities and the perspectives of all stakeholders represented at the dialogue.
The ambassador reiterated the EU’s belief in dialogue as a powerful tool for easing tensions, correcting harmful narratives, and guiding societies through periods of insecurity. He noted that Nigeria stands at a critical moment, where collective reflection and action are required to steer communities away from division and towards peace.
“And so, with peace and plenty, Nigeria may be blessed.”
🏷️ Tags: EU, Nigeria Security, Northern Nigeria, Violence Prevention, National Peace Committee, Diplomacy
#Diplomacy #Nigeria #Security #ZigDiaries
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