VP Shettima Reinforces Strategic Ties with EU, South Korea on Economic Growth and National Security

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnerships with the European Union (EU) and South Korea to promote national development in trade, investment, and technology.

He made this known today while receiving in audience the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, and a delegation from the Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC) led by its Chairman, Mr. Yoon Suk-hun, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

During his meeting with the EU envoy, Vice President Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to building strong relations with the European Union, especially as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) prepares to establish its first West African office in Lagos — a move seen as a milestone in EU-Nigeria cooperation.

He noted that Nigeria officially became the 77th shareholder of the EBRD in February 2025, following the bank’s phased expansion into Sub-Saharan Africa, approved by its Board of Governors in 2023.

Shettima expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support, describing the growing prospects in trade, foreign investment, and youth empowerment as key areas for deeper collaboration.

In a separate session with the AEDC delegation, the Vice President welcomed the proposal for a partnership between Nigeria and South Korea’s AEDC on solar energy, electric vehicle production, and cutting-edge Information Technology aimed at boosting Nigeria’s internal security.

He stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains open to strategic alliances that would drive the country’s industrialisation agenda and improve the well-being of Nigerians.