Engagement Between Muhammad Sanusi II (PhD) and the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS
Date: Thursday, 27th February 2025
Posted by: M
Event Overview
On Thursday, 27th February 2025, His Royal Highness Muhammad Sanusi II (PhD), the 14th Emir of Kano and renowned economist, welcomed a high-level delegation from the European Union (EU), led by Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS. The meeting, held in Lagos, aimed to strengthen bilateral and regional partnerships, focusing on economic development and socio-political reforms in Nigeria and the broader ECOWAS region.
Attendees
- Muhammad Sanusi II (PhD): Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), advocate for economic reform, and a global voice on sustainable development.
- Ambassador Gautier Mignot: Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, representing the EU’s strategic interests in West Africa.
- EU/ECOWAS Delegation: Senior officials from various sectors, including trade, security, and climate.
- MSII FNS Lagos Media Team: Responsible for documenting and disseminating the proceedings.
Discussion Highlights
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Economic Collaboration
- Sanusi highlighted the pressing need for EU investment in key sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as part of a strategy to tackle unemployment and inflation.
- Discussions included leveraging the EU Global Gateway Initiative to drive infrastructure development across ECOWAS states.
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Security & Regional Stability
- The EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin. Sanusi also emphasized the importance of increased funding for grassroots conflict-resolution initiatives.
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Climate Action & Sustainability
- Sanusi drew attention to the adverse effects of climate change on Northern Nigeria, including desertification and escalating farmer-herder conflicts, calling for EU-supported green initiatives to address these challenges.
- Ambassador Mignot also announced a €50 million EU grant to support climate resilience projects in Nigeria.
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Education & Gender Equity
- Both parties agreed on the need to prioritize girl-child education and vocational training initiatives. This commitment aligns with Sanusi's advocacy work through the Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Foundation.
Statements from Leaders
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Muhammad Sanusi II:
“Collaboration with the EU must go beyond rhetoric to translate into actionable policies that empower marginalized communities. Africa’s youth and natural resources are not liabilities but valuable assets that require careful stewardship.” -
Ambassador Gautier Mignot:
“The EU remains steadfast in its commitment to Nigeria and ECOWAS as pivotal partners. Our focus for 2025–2030 is on inclusivp0e growth, security, and climate resilience—critical pillars of our Joint Strategy.”
Outcomes & Next Steps
- MoU Signing: A preliminary agreement was reached to establish the EU-Nigeria Economic Advisory Council, co-chaired by Sanusi and EU representatives.
- ECOWAS-EU Summit: A summit is proposed for Q3 2025 to address regional trade barriers and migration policies.
- Media Campaign: The MSII FNS team will produce a documentary series highlighting the evolving EU-Nigeria partnerships, with a focus on Sanusi’s role in these initiatives.
Note
This engagement emphasizes the EU’s growing interest in West Africa and solidifies Sanusi’s role as a bridge between traditional leadership and contemporary governance. The outcomes signal meaningful progress towards sustainable development and stronger EU-ECOWAS relations.