The European Union (EU) has announced a new phase of collaboration with Nigeria aimed at strengthening the nation’s research and innovation ecosystem, particularly in areas of digital transformation, climate resilience, and sustainable growth.

In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, the EU said Nigerian researchers are now eligible to participate in its flagship research programme, the Horizon Europe Initiative, which is valued at over €100 billion in grants.

Speaking at the 18th Annual Research Conference of the University of Lagos, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, highlighted the importance of research in promoting inclusive and transformative development.

He explained that the EU’s partnership with Nigeria is built on shared priorities, empowering scientists, innovators, and young researchers to convert knowledge into practical impact across critical sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and healthcare.

 “Science is most efficient when it is universal, not when it bumps into borders. The European Union and its member states are investing in research that advances the same green, digital, and inclusive transition we are pursuing in Europe, and we are proud to work with Nigeria to achieve this," Mignot said.

The ambassador disclosed that the European Commission has proposed negotiations with Nigeria on a Science, Technology, and Innovation Agreement, which will pave the way for joint research projects, academic exchanges, and investments in technological infrastructure.

 “This agreement will help bring our researchers, innovators, and universities even closer together. It will strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global innovation landscape and open more opportunities for young researchers and entrepreneurs," Mignot said.

He further emphasized that Horizon Europe, a nearly €100 billion programme funding research and innovation globally, is open to Nigerian participation.

“Horizon Europe is open to Nigerian researchers because the pursuit of knowledge belongs to all humankind. When science connects people, it builds a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable world,” he added.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, commended the EU for its commitment to advancing research capacity in Nigeria.

 “Africa must embrace innovation that responds to our realities. Partnerships like this enable us to translate research into practical solutions, from sustainable energy to health and AI, that improve lives and empower communities,” Ogunsola said.

She revealed that the university is establishing a Human-Centred AI Research Hub focused on ethical and inclusive innovation, noting that artificial intelligence presents Africa with an opportunity “not just to catch up, but to lead in shaping the future.”

A PhD candidate in Estate Management at the university, Salami Mayowa Michael, also hailed the EU’s support, saying it will help researchers leverage emerging technologies.

 “AI is changing everything about how we learn and research. With tools like drones and cross-continental data sharing, we can transform how we teach, learn, and innovate,” he said.

The Horizon Europe initiative, which runs from 2021 to 2027 with a budget of €93.5 billion, seeks to strengthen Europe’s scientific and technological foundations, boost innovation capacity, and promote economic growth while addressing global challenges.

The programme focuses on key areas including climate change adaptation, digital transformation, and health, and is structured around three main pillars: Excellent Science, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, and Civil Science and Border Regions.

So far, Horizon Europe has funded over 15,000 projects with a combined value exceeding €43 billion. An interim evaluation estimates that the programme will yield up to six euros in benefits for every euro invested by 2045.

Beyond the EU, countries like South Korea and Switzerland have also joined or are in the process of formal association, allowing their researchers to participate on equal terms with EU member states.