A three-year grant of €300,000 has been announced by the European Union to improve lobbying, develop the secretariat of the European Chamber of Commerce (Eurocham) Nigeria, and increase stakeholder involvement.
Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, announced the grant at Eurocham’s 25th Annual Stakeholders Conference in Lagos, according to a statement. He called the funding a significant step toward enhancing trade relations between the EU and Nigeria.
“The approval of a three-year grant worth €300,000, which we awarded to Eurocham last year, is a highlight of 2024 that I would like to underscore,” Mignot stated. “With this funding, the Chamber will be able to increase the administrative capabilities of its Secretariat and broaden its outreach and advocacy efforts on behalf of its members.”
The goal of the EU’s intervention is to strengthen Eurocham’s position in policy discussions and strategic interactions with business stakeholders, legislators, and local governments.
Mignot emphasized that the assistance will improve the economic climate, allowing Eurocham to encourage investment and commerce between Nigeria and Europe.
“We open the door to even more opportunities in important areas like trade, investment, and infrastructure development by building on what has been accomplished thus far,” he said.
Mignot reiterated that the EU is Nigeria’s biggest trading partner and a major provider of development funding and foreign direct investment.
Additionally, he connected the award to the larger EU Global Gateway Strategy, a four-year program designed to assist Nigeria and other African nations with their infrastructure.
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He claims that Nigeria will be heavily represented in the investment package, which will address topics like e-governance, digital skills, and the installation of 90,000 km of fiber-optic connections throughout the nation.
“We anticipate increased awareness for game-changing projects like the Omi Eko water transportation project,” he stated. “Investments in sustainable transportation, renewable energy, local vaccine production, and agriculture continue to be top priorities, and we rely on Eurocham to actively seek out opportunities and promote a business-friendly environment.”
