The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has met with a European Union (EU) delegation to discuss arrangements for the implementation of a €20 million defence assistance package for Nigeria.
The funding, provided under the European Peace Facility (EPF), represents the EU’s first-ever bilateral defence support package to Nigeria.
The minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.
During the meeting with the European External Action Service (EEAS) delegation led by Claire Gaudin, Musa reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to developing its local defence industry and achieving self-sufficiency in military equipment and capabilities.
He described the bilateral assistance, finalised in October, as a significant boost to the operational capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly in their counter-terrorism operations within the Lake Chad Basin.
Musa also called on the EU to build on the outcome of the recently concluded Africa Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) by supporting the establishment of local defence manufacturing facilities in Nigeria.
He further stressed the government’s determination to identify and dismantle terrorist financing networks across the world, irrespective of their locations.
According to the minister, the current phase of the EPF assistance covers non-lethal military supplies, technical training and equipment maintenance.
He, however, expressed hope that subsequent phases would accommodate additional areas, including military medical services and advanced surveillance technology.
Earlier, Gaudin explained that the €20 million package would provide Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) equipment, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), night-vision capabilities and personal protective equipment for Nigerian troops deployed on operations.
She said the areas of intervention were jointly identified with the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces after extensive consultations between both sides.
The EU representative added that Nigeria was among more than 20 African countries benefiting from the facility, which has 30 beneficiaries globally.
She noted that the assistance would also complement wider regional security and stabilisation initiatives 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 period.
The off-budget funding mechanism is designed to strengthen the capabilities of partner countries’ armed forces, prevent conflicts, promote peace and enhance international security.
(NAN)
