By Tony Obiechina Abuja
The Minister of Budget and Economic Development Development, Sen. Atiku Abubakar Bagudu has commended the European Union (EU) for supporting Nigeria’s development efforts over the years.
The minister gave the commendation at a one day seminar on Advancing Sustainable Development Through EU-Nigeria Development Cooperation and Instruments of Innovative Financing organised by the ministry of Budget and Economic development in Abuja on Tuesday.
Bagudu said, “Over the years, Nigeria and the European Union have enjoyed a long and productive history of cooperation, one that has steadily evolved in both depth and scope. From the early frameworks of development assistance to today’s more strategic engagement under the EU-Africa partnership, the EU has remained a consistent ally in supporting Nigeria’s development aspirations.
“We deeply appreciate the generous grant aid and technical assistance that have helped to strengthen our institutions, build capacity, and deliver tangible results across sectors”.
The further noted, “In this regard, the Global Gateway Investment Package comes at a most opportune time. Its advent in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic reflects the lessons learnt from the vulnerabilities the world experienced.
“The focus on green transition, digital transformation, connectivity, and human capital aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s priorities, offering us a timely pathway to integrate our economy more effectively into regional and global value chains while accelerating inclusive and sustainable growth”.
The pointed out that as administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presses forward with bold reform initiatives to stabilise the economy, “we remain mindful of the temporary hardships and unintended outcomes that such far-reaching reforms generate. To this end, deliberate measures are being put in place to cushion the effects on households and communities, particularly the most vulnerable”.
According to him, the fiscal gains “we are beginning to record will not merely strengthen our macroeconomic stability, but will be channeled to ensure that the dividends of reform are broadly and equitably shared”.
He noted that the central pillar of the key initiative is the Renewed Hope Ward-Based Development Programme, which is a transformative, bottom-up strategy designed to take development to the grassroots.
He said the Development programme seeks to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location, has access to essential services, infrastructure, and opportunities. By directly engaging communities, it bridges the gap between policy and people, while promoting inclusiveness, accountability, and sustainability.
He further explained that the Ward Development Programme aligns seamlessly with the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Strategy, adding that both frameworks place emphasis on local ownership, connectivity, and sustainability.
“Just as the Global Gateway prioritises investments in green transitions, digital transformation, human capital, and resilient infrastructure, the Ward Development Programme provides the local platform for delivery and uptake of these investments.
“By empowering wards as the operational hubs for project implementation, Nigeria ensures that EU-supported interventions reach the communities where they matter most, thereby guaranteeing impact, sustainability, and alignment with our national priorities.
“The Global Gateway stands out for its innovative financing model, combining grants, concessional loans, guarantees, and private capital to unlock investment in key sectors. This is highly relevant for Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2026-2030) and the Ward Development Programme, as it enables well-prepared projects to access the resources needed for sustainable impact at both national and community levels.
“We are already seeing milestones that give us confidence in this path. The Emi Eko Project exemplifies the practical outcomes of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy in Nigeria, demonstrating how climate-resilient and inclusive investments can transform livelihoods.
” Likewise, the EU’s €900 million financing package-spanning energy, health, education, social protection, and peacebuilding-provides critical support to our shared goals. We also deeply appreciate the EU’s grants and concessional loans, which complement Nigeria’s reform efforts and catalyse wider investment”, Bagudu added.
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According to him, the seminar provided an opportunity in forming a close-knit network to consolidate” these gains and chart the next phase of our partnership”. emphasising that the expected outcomes of the seminar include, s structured framework that will guide the preparation of bankable proposals, ensuring Nigeria’s project pipeline is well-aligned with EU priorities under the Global Gateway.
Others are stronger collaboration between Federal and State MDAs which will enhance coherence, prevent duplication, and maximise impact in commitment of the EU grant and investment resources.
Participants to the seminar included State commissioners for Economic development from across the federation and FCT.
