By Our Reporter
The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has held talks with the European Union (EU) on modalities for delivering a €20 million defence support package to Nigeria to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.
Musa disclosed this when he received a delegation of the European External Action Service (EEAS), led by Ms Claire Gaudin, at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
This is contained in a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, on Friday in Abuja.
The package, provided under the EU’s European Peace Facility (EPF), is expected to enhance Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin, through the provision of specialised equipment, technical training and maintenance support.
The minister described the support as a significant boost to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address security challenges, particularly terrorism and other asymmetric threats.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to developing indigenous defence capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for military equipment and technology.
Musa urged the EU to leverage the momentum generated by the recently concluded Africa Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) to establish local defence production lines in Nigeria.
He said strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing would promote technology transfer, build local expertise and advance Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in defence production.
The minister also emphasised Nigeria’s determination to track and dismantle terrorist financing networks, irrespective of their geographical locations.
He noted that disrupting the financial networks sustaining terrorist organisations remained critical to achieving lasting security.
Musa said the current €20 million support package focused on non-lethal military supplies, including equipment, technical training and maintenance.
He, however, expressed optimism that subsequent phases of the partnership would accommodate other critical areas, particularly military medical support and advanced surveillance capabilities.
Earlier, Gaudin, Head of the European Peace Facility at the EEAS, said the €20 million package would provide Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) equipment, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), night vision capabilities and individual protective gear for deployed Nigerian troops.
She said the priority areas were jointly identified and agreed upon with the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria following extensive bilateral consultations.
According to her, the package is designed to address critical operational requirements and strengthen the capacity of Nigerian troops deployed in counterterrorism operations.
Gaudin said Nigeria was among more than 20 African countries benefiting from the EPF, which has 30 beneficiaries globally.
She added that the assistance would complement broader regional stabilisation efforts, particularly operations under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
The EU delegation and the minister also explored opportunities for deeper security cooperation in maritime security, particularly across the Gulf of Guinea.
The European Peace Facility, established by the 27 EU member states in March 2021 for the 2021–2027 financial cycle, is an off-budget financial instrument designed to strengthen the capacity of partner countries to prevent conflicts, build peace and promote international security.
The €20 million package, sealed in October 2026, represents the EU’s first-ever bilateral defence support package to Nigeria under the facility.
