Nigeria’s Sovereignty Must Be Respected — European Union Warns Against Foreign Interference

The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria, urging all nations and international actors to respect the country’s independence and right to self-determination. The statement comes amid growing tensions surrounding alleged external interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs, including recent warnings and policy comments from the United States and other Western powers.

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In a strongly worded declaration issued on Tuesday in Brussels, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, emphasized that Nigeria remains a sovereign state with the full right to determine its political, economic, and security trajectory without coercion or pressure from foreign interests.

“The European Union holds the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the highest regard. Nigeria is a key strategic partner and a vital democracy in Africa, and its internal matters must be addressed within its constitutional and democratic framework,” the statement read.

The EU’s comments followed mounting diplomatic exchanges between Nigeria, the United States, and China over perceived foreign meddling, particularly concerning issues of human rights, religious freedom, and governance.

EU Cautions Against “Neo-Interventionism”

According to the EU statement, while the Union remains committed to promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance, it does not support what it described as “neo-interventionist tactics” that undermine sovereign nations.

Borrell added that the EU will continue to engage Nigeria through “dialogue, partnership, and mutual respect,” rather than threats or conditionalities.

“Our relationship with Nigeria is built on cooperation, not coercion. The European Union believes in supporting Nigerian-led solutions to Nigerian challenges. We oppose the use of economic or political leverage by any external actor to impose agendas on Abuja,” Borrell said.

This position aligns with recent calls by several African leaders urging Western countries to treat African states as equal partners rather than dependents.

Nigeria’s Growing Diplomatic Confidence

Over the past few years, Nigeria has taken a more assertive stance on international diplomacy. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has repeatedly warned against what it calls “foreign pressure masquerading as human rights advocacy.”

Speaking recently at a public event in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, reiterated that the country will not tolerate external interference, especially on issues related to security, religion, and internal governance.

“Nigeria is a sovereign nation. We welcome partnerships, but we will not allow our domestic issues to be weaponized by any external power for political gain,” Tuggar said.

His remarks followed concerns raised by the U.S. Congress and rights organizations over alleged religious violence and government handling of dissent in parts of Nigeria.

EU Reaffirms Strategic Partnership

The European Union remains one of Nigeria’s largest development and trade partners. Bilateral relations between both parties span trade, energy, migration, and security cooperation, with joint projects worth billions of euros.

In 2024, the EU and Nigeria signed the “Green Energy Transition Framework,” an agreement aimed at supporting Nigeria’s transition toward renewable energy and sustainable economic growth. The bloc also plays a key role in supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and organized crime in the Lake Chad region through the European Peace Facility.

Borrell stressed that such collaborations demonstrate the EU’s respect for Nigeria’s autonomy and its willingness to work within frameworks that reflect local priorities.

“We believe that true partnership must be built on trust and equality. Nigeria is not just a recipient of aid; it is a leader in Africa and a crucial player in global affairs,” he noted.

Observers Applaud EU’s Stand

Political analysts and diplomats have described the EU’s position as timely and necessary, especially as Africa increasingly pushes back against external domination.

Dr. Felix Okonkwo, an international relations expert at the University of Lagos, said the EU’s message “signals a shift from paternalistic diplomacy to mutual respect.”

“This is the kind of approach African nations have been asking for. The EU’s emphasis on respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty contrasts sharply with the interventionist tone sometimes used by other Western powers,” he said.

Similarly, Abuja-based security analyst, Hauwa Musa, argued that the statement would help calm geopolitical tensions between Nigeria and its allies, noting that “external pressure often fuels nationalist sentiment and diplomatic rifts.”

Conclusion

The European Union’s declaration that “Nigeria’s sovereignty must be respected” marks a significant moment in international diplomacy, reflecting a broader global consensus that African nations deserve equal footing in shaping their destinies.

As global powers compete for influence across Africa, the EU’s stance highlights a growing recognition that partnerships rooted in respect and dialogue are far more sustainable than those built on coercion or interference.

For Nigeria, this message reinforces its rising global confidence — a sign that Africa’s most populous nation continues to command respect on the world stage, not only as an economic and political powerhouse but also as a nation determined to chart its path in accordance with its values, interests, and sovereignty.