The Federal Government has engaged the European Union in discussions to finalise arrangements for the delivery of a €20m defence support package designed to strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant to the Minister of Defence on Media.
The statement followed a meeting between the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, and a delegation from the European External Action Service, led by Ms Claire Gaudin.
The package, funded through the EU’s European Peace Facility, marks the bloc’s first bilateral defence support initiative for Nigeria. It will provide non-lethal military equipment, technical training and maintenance support.
Speaking at the meeting, Gaudin said the €20m facility would support the procurement of counter-improvised explosive device equipment, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, night vision equipment and personal protective gear for Nigerian troops.
Musa welcomed the bilateral assistance, which was sealed in October, describing it as an important contribution to the operational capabilities of Nigerian troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to developing indigenous defence capabilities and reducing the country’s dependence on foreign military supplies.
The minister urged the EU to build on the momentum of the recently concluded Africa Defence Exhibition by supporting the establishment of local defence production lines in Nigeria.
Musa also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to tracking and dismantling terrorist financing networks globally, regardless of where they operate.
He noted that the current phase of the EU support package was restricted to non-lethal assistance, covering equipment, technical training and maintenance.
However, he expressed hope that subsequent phases would extend to other areas, particularly military medical services and advanced surveillance capabilities.
