The European Union (EU) said it is collaborating with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to halt illegal circulation of small arms in the sub-region.

EU's Head of Mission in Nigeria Denis Thiulin said at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja that the European Commission (EC) will support the ECOWAS in the control small arms and programmes that would enhance regional transport and agriculture.

He said the EC is also making effort to address the problem of money laundering and illicit drugs trafficking in West Africa. Thiulin said the essence is to promote regional integration and stability.

He said the EU had spent 60 million Euros in implementing various projects in Nigeria in 2008 and that it is satisfied with the micro projects programme in the Niger Delta which has significantly reduced poverty among the people.

He also disclosed that the EC has allocated 4.7 million Euros to eradicate meningitis in Nigeria and Niger as well as support the ECOWAS in preventing conflict and enhancing good governance.