EU Gives €300,000 to Help Improve Eurocham Nigeria

The European Union (EU) has given a €300,000 grant to help the European Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria (Eurocham Nigeria) improve its work.

This money will be used to strengthen the organization’s office, boost its advocacy efforts, and increase its interaction with external partners.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, announced this at Eurocham’s 25th Annual Stakeholders Conference in Lagos.

He explained that this three-year grant will support Eurocham in its role of advocating and discussing policies, aiming to create a better business environment through strategic relationships with governments, policymakers, and stakeholders.

“A highlight of 2024 I wish to underscore is the approval of a three-year €300,000 grant, awarded to Eurocham last year.

This financial support will enhance the Chamber’s administrative capabilities and allow it to expand its external activities and advocacy efforts on behalf of its members,” Mignot said.

He also mentioned that this initiative would boost trade and investment opportunities that would benefit both European and Nigerian economies and strengthen the EU’s partnership with Nigeria.

Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to deepening trade relations with Nigeria, emphasizing strong governance and cooperation between EU countries and bilateral chambers.

“By building on past achievements, we create greater opportunities in key areas such as trade, investment, and infrastructure development.

It bears repeating that the EU remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign direct investment and development financing,” he noted.

Discussing the EU Global Gateway Strategy, which is a four-year plan to improve infrastructure in Nigeria and other African countries, Mignot highlighted several significant projects such as the Omi Eko water transportation project, digital skills training programs, and laying 90,000 km of fiber optic cables.

Mignot emphasized the need for Eurocham to actively seek opportunities, gather investors, and push for a supportive business environment.

“Investments in agriculture, renewable energy, vaccine manufacturing, and sustainable transportation are key objectives where we rely on the Chamber,” he stated.

This grant from the EU is seen as an important step to help Eurocham become more effective in its advocacy and engagement, thus helping to grow and develop business conditions in both regions.