The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its solidarity with Nigeria and respect for the country’s sovereignty amid renewed international debate over religious freedom and security.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, reacting to recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Mignot said the EU’s position was rooted in its long-standing partnership with Nigeria, not influenced by external actors.

“Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria — with victims of violence, with the authorities working to protect citizens, and with the Nigerian people who overwhelmingly desire peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides,” he said.

He emphasised that the EU would continue to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and support peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights initiatives.

Mignot noted that the EU was implementing several peacebuilding and deradicalisation programmes in the North-East and would sustain efforts to promote reintegration of ex-combatants.

“We remain committed to the protection of all communities, including minorities, and to upholding freedom of religion and belief,” he said.

He acknowledged that Nigeria still faced human rights challenges but praised its constitutional framework for guaranteeing fundamental freedoms.

“The situation is not perfect, as in any country, but there exists a constitutional basis for human rights protection. It is up to Nigerian authorities and society to uphold and strengthen this environment of peaceful coexistence,” he added.

Mignot said a new Nigeria–EU Peace, Security, and Defence Dialogue would hold soon to deepen strategic cooperation.

“Our engagement is steady and based on shared interest in a stable, prosperous, and democratic Nigeria,” he concluded.