The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, has stated that while development and humanitarian aid are crucial, they are insufficient on their own to guarantee sustainable development or meet the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This, he said, explains why the EU is leveraging private investments and resources through its Global Gateway Strategy to support critical sectors in Nigeria—such as energy, agriculture, education, health, and digital infrastructure—to bring sustainable development to the people.

He noted that the EU remains the largest provider of official development aid globally, adding that “More or less, 42 percent of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) comes from the EU and its Member States.”

Amb. Mignot made the remarks during the EU Delegation’s visit to Skyline University, Kano State, where he engaged with students and staff of the institution, as well as those from other universities in the state. He called for greater cooperation between the EU, Nigeria, and Africa.

He stressed that only through cooperation grounded in shared values—such as respect for individual and human rights, the rule of law, civil liberties, and democracy—can the continent, and Nigeria in particular, achieve sustainable development across all sectors.

The envoy also urged Nigerian citizens, especially young people, to avoid spreading unverified information and to engage in fact-checking to assess authenticity.

“It is very important to avoid and detect disinformation; fact-check to debunk fake news. It is a service to you and your community. You should all feel responsible, not only for not spreading fake news, but for helping to debunk them,” he said.

He added that the EU promotes a societal model that is respectful of cultural and religious differences, and is rooted in tolerance, civil liberties, and social inclusion.

“This is why some of our rivals try to undermine us, propagating lies and disinformation about who we are and what we stand for, particularly in West Africa.

“Our Union is based first on values: respect for individual rights and human rights, the rule of law, civil liberties, and democracy. It is built on institutions that are democratically elected, and on citizens’ rights—especially the right to the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital. It is grounded in laws and legislation adopted by all our institutions.

“We want to extend to the rest of the world the same recipe that has made us successful. It is a recipe of cooperation, equal rules for all, respect for all nations’ rights and legitimate interests, and shared prosperity underpinned by strong innovation capacities.”

In his remarks, the Registrar of Skyline University, Ahmed Abdullahi, described the EU Delegation’s visit as both timely and momentous, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding in a constantly evolving global landscape.

“The lecture series titled ‘The European Union, a reliable partner of Nigeria and the world,’ is timely and momentous. This occasion is a testament to the enduring and fruitful partnership between the European Union and our academic community, reinforcing the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding in a constantly evolving global landscape.

“Conversations here encourage meaningful discussions that not only highlight contemporary challenges, but also extend innovative solutions for world peace, prosperity, and development.”

Highlights of the delegation’s visit included a lecture by Amb. Mignot, followed by an interactive session with students and staff on the EU’s work in Nigeria and ECOWAS. The session provided a platform for questions, feedback, and information on the EU’s programmes in Nigeria, including post-graduate scholarship opportunities in Europe.