By Prevail Inegbenose
Nigeria and the European Union are set to deepen security cooperation, including the exchange of information and stronger collaboration against transnational organised crime.
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The development followed a meeting between the Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The discussions focused on advancing the long-pending EU-Nigeria Re-Admission Agreement, while expanding cooperation on migration, border management and security.
Brunner disclosed that the proposed broader Migration and Security Cooperation framework would include a working arrangement for information exchange between Nigeria and Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement cooperation agency.
The arrangement is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to detect, prevent and combat transnational organised crime through enhanced cooperation and information sharing.
The EU delegation also proposed support for Nigeria’s border management efforts, including cooperation with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex.
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Brunner stressed the importance of addressing irregular migration, indicating that stronger cooperation in this area could help create greater opportunities for legal migration.
The Re-Admission Agreement, initiated in 2016 and extensively discussed during the 8th Nigeria-EU Ministerial Dialogue in March 2026, is expected to provide a framework for broader migration cooperation between both sides.
Ojukwu, however, emphasised that Nigeria’s migration interests must be protected, calling for reintegration support for returnees, infrastructure assistance and expanded legal pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.
She also stressed the need for structured and lawful mobility opportunities, particularly for Nigeria’s youthful population, while ensuring that migration cooperation supports Nigeria’s development objectives.
The proposed framework will also cover talent partnerships, legal mobility pathways and reintegration of returnees.
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Brunner said talent partnerships could address skills shortages in Europe while creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals, with both sides also seeking to address concerns surrounding brain drain.
Spark News learnt that the EU Commissioner is expected to continue discussions with Ojukwu during a proposed visit to Abuja in November 2026, with the specific date to be agreed by both parties.