By Adam Said Adam
The European Union (EU) has announced a €288 million support package for Nigeria, with a strong focus on advancing climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable development, and green economic growth.
The funding, unveiled at the EU-Nigeria Ministerial news conference in Abuja, forms part of the renewed EU-Nigeria Partnership and aligns with the bloc’s broader Global Gateway Strategy aimed at boosting sustainable investments across key sectors.
- Chinese firms eye Nigeria for solar manufacturing partnerships
- UN warns 35m Nigerians risk hunger in 2026 after global aid collapse
Speaking at the event, officials said agriculture and climate action remain central to the initiative, with targeted investments designed to help Nigeria adapt to the growing impacts of climate change while strengthening food systems.
Mr. Stefano Signore, Director General for International Partnerships at the European Commission, noted that the package would accelerate climate-smart interventions, particularly in agriculture and healthcare, where improved infrastructure and local production are urgently needed.
He explained that the EU’s strategy seeks to promote sustainable farming practices, enhance value chains, and support local manufacturing, all of which are critical in building resilience against climate shocks such as drought, flooding, and soil degradation.
A significant portion of the funding includes €85 million in financing to support agribusinesses, particularly in climate-sensitive value chains like dairy and cocoa. This is expected to boost productivity, encourage climate-smart technologies, and improve livelihoods for farmers facing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Additionally, €1 million has been earmarked for a collaborative agricultural project involving European experts from Austria, the Czech Republic, and Latvia. The initiative will provide technical support to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, focusing on climate adaptation strategies and sustainable land use.
Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, described the partnership as a major step toward building a resilient and inclusive economy capable of withstanding climate and economic pressures.
He said the collaboration builds on the momentum of the 2023 EU-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue and reflects a shared commitment to sustainable investment and environmental responsibility.
Under the administration of Bola Tinubu, Bagudu noted that Nigeria is implementing reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and creating an enabling environment for private sector participation, particularly in green and climate-sensitive sectors.
Also speaking, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, highlighted the importance of channeling long-term financing into agriculture and healthcare, describing both sectors as critical to national resilience in the face of climate change.
Beyond agriculture, the EU package also supports digital public infrastructure, migration governance, and skills development, all of which have indirect links to climate adaptation and sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative is expected to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to transition toward a greener economy, improve food security, and empower communities to cope with the evolving challenges posed by climate change.
 has announced a €288 million support package for Nigeria, with a strong focus on advancing climate-resilient agricul){kind=link}