The Regional Development Ministry is collaborating with the European Union on security, training, empowerment, and the provision of basic amenities across the six geopolitical zones.

The minister of regional development, Abubakar Momoh, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, when he received the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.

Mr Momoh said that the EU had been very helpful and was working in the various regions.

“We have discussed extensively, particularly on areas of cooperation, and where assistance can be rendered to the Ministry to achieve our mandates.

“EU has been working in the Niger Delta, particularly during the time of amnesty, and they are still working there.

“So, with the new Commissions in place and the Ministry becoming a Ministry of Regional Development, we are also discussing how to focus on development across the regions,” he said..

Also speaking, the minister of state for regional development, Uba Ahmadu, appreciated the EU Ambassador and his team for the developmental activities over the years in Nigeria.

“We are looking at a brighter future going forward in our relationship with the EU  and other development partners here in Nigeria to add value to what President Bola Tinubu is doing,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Mignot said the visit aimed to develop strategies to articulate with the federal and state governments, including other donors in general, to enhance regional development.

He said the EU had a lot of projects in all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria and in many states, hence the need to raise awareness mutually on the projects.

“I came here with my team to have our first working meeting with the Ministers of Regional Development, because the development of the six geopolitical zones is very important under the New York Agenda.

“For the EU, which has a longstanding partnership with Nigeria,  partnering with the federal and state governments is also very important.

“It is important to raise awareness mutually on our projects and then see how we can articulate our efforts,” he said.

Mr Mignot identified the EU’s priorities in Nigeria as green economy, digital economy, agricultural value chains and health.

(NAN)