Trump’s aid withdrawal: Speaker Abbas tasks EU on improved investments in Nigeria, Africa

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Wednesday called on the European Union (EU) to step up its multilateral and bilateral cooperation with African countries, stating that Asia is now doing more for the continent in terms of physical investment.

Speaker Abbas made the call in Abuja while addressing the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ambassador Gautier Mignot.

He urged the EU to seize the opportunity created by the withdrawal of aid to other countries by the Donald Trump administration to increase its support for African nations, beyond election monitoring and security training.

The Speaker described the day as historic, noting it was the second meeting with the EU and the first in 2025 to discuss matters between Nigeria and Europe.

He emphasised that the National Assembly, particularly the House, is a friend of the EU and remains open to cooperation and partnership in all areas of endeavour.

He said: “I just want to draw our attention to some things that I feel the European Union can do better. You (EU) have tried tremendously in terms of capacity, especially in areas of election monitoring, particularly Nigeria. But I see a trend that is a bit uncomfortable from your side that the EU needs to address.

“Asia is fast approaching Africa. You should have dominant investments and stakes in Africa. But what we have today is that the majority of the investments are coming from Asia.

“Less and fewer investments from the EU are being witnessed in Africa. I believe it is an area that we need to holistically look at and see how we can continue to make EU more relevant to Nigeria and to Africa. There are many areas that we have already advanced in our relationship over the last 50 years.

“Just last week, we received the Ambassador of China to Nigeria, and the kind of ambitious plans we heard him say about China and Nigeria, as well as Africa, are unprecedented. Some weeks ago, I also had the opportunity to meet with the Indian Ambassador, and I also heard about the kind of ambitious plans they have.

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“We don’t hear much from the EU these days as far as Africa is concerned, perhaps, except in the area of elections and security. But when it comes to real investments, the EU is not actually progressing at the rate it should.

“We believe if there is any country or union that deserves to really stamp its feet in Africa, it is the EU. So, I want to use this opportunity to urge that more and more collaboration needs to come onboard between Africa and the EU.”

Earlier, Ambassador Mignot stated that Nigeria is a key partner to the EU, not only for the future but for the present, particularly in light of recent developments in the United States under President Trump.

The ambassador said the EU is committed to partnerships with African countries, especially Nigeria, describing the country as a “trade and investment partner,” and stressing that his continent would lead more investment initiatives, particularly in Nigeria.

Ambassador Mignot noted that the areas of interest include science, information, and technology, and that the EU would continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Nigeria. He added that a strengthened relationship with Nigeria would attract more sustainable investments and opportunities for Nigerians.

While describing parliament as the bastion of democracy, the EU envoy called for increased collaboration between the EU Parliament and the Nigerian National Assembly.

Ambassador Mignot also highlighted other areas of EU interest, including the Electoral Act, and urged the National Assembly to enhance Nigeria’s electoral framework. He further mentioned gender inclusion and participation in public affairs.

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