Aisha Umar
22 November 2009
Abuja — The European Commission has signed a multi-million euro agreement to assist Nigeria tackle development challenges in the areas of governance, trade and peace.
A statement by the European Commission said the agreement was signed in Brussels by European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Karel De Gucht, and by Nigeria 's Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission, Professor Sylvester Monye, and is an ambitious step forward in cooperation and is a direct result of the Nigeria-EU political dialogue.
"It reinforces cooperation in three strategic areas: peace and security; governance and human rights; trade and regional integration with € 677 million for the period 2009 - 2013 financed through the European Development Fund" it stated.
The European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Karel De Gucht said: "This agreement shows that Europe stands by Nigeria and its people in the development challenges it faces. I'm delighted that a substantial amount of this financing will go to support conflict resolution and the peace process in the Niger Delta which has been ravaged by years of unrest. We are fully committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria in the process of restoring peace and bringing development to the region."
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