The European Union has unveiled a €290 million Global Gateway investment package for Nigeria, aimed at strengthening digital infrastructure, healthcare manufacturing, agricultural value chains and migration management.
The funding was announced at the Eighth Nigeria–EU Ministerial Dialogue in Abuja, co-chaired by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
A significant portion of the package will go into digital development, with €131 million allocated to expand connectivity, improve digital services and enhance technical skills. The programme includes plans to deploy about 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable to provide reliable internet access to an estimated 33 million Nigerians.
In the healthcare sector, European Investment Bank’s development arm, EIB Global, signed a €50 million financing agreement with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to boost local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, vaccines and diagnostic products. The initiative is designed to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports while strengthening health security and industrial capacity.
BoI Managing Director, Olasupo Olusi, described the partnership as a turning point for Nigeria’s healthcare sector, noting that it would mobilise long-term capital, create jobs and position local manufacturers within regional and global value chains.
Also under the package, EIB Global and BoI secured an €85 million facility to support agricultural value chains, with at least 70 per cent of the funding targeted at cocoa and dairy production. The financing will support agribusinesses, cooperatives and small enterprises, while promoting sustainable practices and improved productivity.
EIB Vice President, Ambroise Fayolle, said the investments would enhance access to essential medical products, strengthen supply chains and deliver tangible economic benefits across Nigeria.
In addition, €16 million has been earmarked for migration management, including reintegration support for returning migrants and efforts to combat human trafficking.
EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said the investments were designed to drive long-term growth by modernising key sectors and expanding economic opportunities.
The package forms part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and aligns with Nigeria’s development priorities, including industrialisation, healthcare self-sufficiency and sustainable agriculture. It also supports broader continental goals such as boosting local vaccine production and advancing regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
With the latest commitments, total Team Europe investments in Nigeria since 2025 have risen to €962.5 million, underscoring deepening economic ties between both partners and a shared focus on sustainable development and private sector growth.
The European Investment Bank has invested over €2.3 billion in Nigeria since it began operations in the country in 1978, funding projects across infrastructure, climate resilience, innovation, agribusiness and small business financing.
European officials said the latest round of investments is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s industrial capacity, support job creation and boost regional trade opportunities across West Africa.
