The European Union (EU) has disclosed that its €20 million defence support package for Nigeria will fund the provision of Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) equipment, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), night vision capabilities and personal protective gear for deployed troops.
The disclosure was made during strategic talks between the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, and a delegation of the European Union on Friday.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the discussions focused on finalising delivery arrangements for the €20 million defence support package approved for Nigeria under the European Peace Facility (EPF).
Katung-Babatunde described the package as the EU’s first-ever bilateral defence support initiative for Nigeria.
Receiving the European External Action Service (EEAS) delegation, led by Ms Claire Gaudin, Musa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to developing indigenous defence capabilities and achieving self-sufficiency in military equipment production.
The minister welcomed the bilateral assistance, which was sealed in October, noting that it would strengthen the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces in ongoing counter-terrorism operations, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin.
He also urged the European Union to utilise the momentum generated by the recently concluded Africa Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) to establish local defence production lines in Nigeria.
Musa further emphasised Nigeria’s determination to identify and dismantle terrorist financing networks across the world, irrespective of where they operate.
He explained that the current phase of the European Peace Facility support focuses on non-lethal military supplies, including equipment, technical training and maintenance.
However, the minister expressed optimism that subsequent phases of the programme would accommodate other critical areas, including military medical support and advanced surveillance capabilities.
In her remarks, Gaudin said the €20 million package was jointly agreed upon with the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces following extensive bilateral consultations.
She added that Nigeria is among more than 20 African countries and 30 global beneficiaries of the European Peace Facility, noting that the assistance would complement broader regional stabilisation efforts under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
The European Peace Facility was established by the 27 EU member states in March 2021 for the 2021–2027 financial cycle.
It is an off-budget financial instrument designed to strengthen the operational capacities of partner armed forces worldwide, prevent conflicts, support peacebuilding and enhance international security.
