By Omoyeni Ojeifo
In a renewed push for stronger Africa-Europe relations, the Federal Government has unveiled a four-point agenda to strengthen Africa-Europe cooperation, focusing on economic resilience, security, climate action and global governance reforms to address growing geopolitical challenges confronting the international community.
The agenda was outlined by Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu in a statement issued on Thursday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, after the Portugal EurAfrican Forum 2026.
The minister identified the priorities as industrialisation and infrastructure development, stronger peace and counter-terrorism cooperation, increased climate financing and technology transfer, and reforms to global governance, including permanent African representation on the UN Security Council.
“The evolving global landscape, marked by armed conflicts, economic fragmentation, terrorism, climate change, food insecurity and supply chain disruptions, demands stronger cooperation built on mutual respect and shared responsibility,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Africa should no longer be viewed through humanitarian crises or resource extraction but recognised as a strategic partner with abundant natural resources, expanding markets, immense human capital and significant innovation potential.
“Nigeria’s foreign policy under the Renewed Hope Agenda remains anchored on strategic engagement, economic diplomacy, regional stability and mutually beneficial partnerships,” she said.
She urged African countries to pursue strategic autonomy by engaging international partners from a position of confidence, guided by national and continental interests rather than geopolitical rivalries.
“Africa and Europe must replace dependency with genuine partnership and competition with collaboration. Trust, innovation and shared responsibility will better position both continents to navigate geopolitical uncertainties and build a more inclusive international order,” she added.