By Uche Onyeali
Federal government and the European Union, EU, have expressed commitment to strengthen diplomatic ties to combat transnational organised crimes.
The Nigerian government also sought the continued support and cooperation of the EU in its ongoing police reform efforts.
Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam made this appeal while hosting the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, who led a delegation of EU officials to the ministry on a courtesy visit.
Highlighting the ministry’s efforts to enhance the effectiveness, accountability and community engagement of the Nigeria Police Force, Gaidam noted that the EU’s expertise, resources and experience in police reform and governance would be instrumental in implementing these reforms.
The minister also acknowledged EU’s support for regional security initiatives, such as the West Africa Police Information System, WAPIS, which has improved coordination and combated transnational organised crime.
He stressed the importance of securing continuous EU funding for the full implementation and sustainability of the WAPIS system.
He also expressed his commitment to explore other EU-funded security initiatives and deepen collaboration in areas such as intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism operations and cybersecurity measures.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Anuma Nila emphasised the need for strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and the EU to address contemporary security challenges.
Nila acknowledged EU’s valuable support in Nigeria’s security sector reforms, capacity building for law enforcement agencies and efforts to combat transnational crimes, terrorism and human trafficking.
He said the partnership between Nigeria and the EU aims to enhance policing standards, improve trust between security agencies and citizens, and promote safer communities across Nigeria.
Earlier, Mignot said EU’s cooperation with the ministry was based on shared values and interests, respect for the rule of law, human rights and democracy, noting that the police is the core of the expression of these values.
He pledged to work with Nigeria and ECOWAS to dismantle powerful criminal networks and protect the victims.
