Council Common Position of 14 May 2001 on Nigeria
Date: 2001-05-14
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: European Union, Nigeria, cooperation policy, democratisation, institutional reform, sustainable development

15.5.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 132/1

(Acts adopted pursuant to Title V of the Treaty on European Union)

COUNCIL COMMON POSITION

of 14 May 2001

on Nigeria

(2001/373/CFSP)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

(c) enhancing its capacity to contribute to regional integration,

peace, security and development.

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in partic-
ular Article 15 thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Nigeria, by virtue of its political and economic influence,
population and size, has an important international and
regional role to play and has at present a crucial oppor-
tunity to consolidate democracy and socio-economic
development in its country.

The European Union (EU) attaches great importance to
its relations with Nigeria which, as a signatory to the
ACP-EC Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on
23 June 2000, is a key partner of the EU in terms of
political, economic, trade and development cooperation.

The EU intends to maintain a positive, constructive and
consistent approach, so as to support Nigeria in its
efforts to consolidate democracy and advance socio-
economic development.

the EU welcomes the achievements of
the Nigerian
authorities to date in this regard and encourages them to
maintain their commitment to progress in these areas,
where they still face considerable challenges,

HAS ADOPTED THIS COMMON POSITION:

Article 1

1.
The objective of this Common Position is to strengthen
the mutually beneficial relations between the EU and Nigeria in
all areas of common interest.

The EU will pursue a consistent and coherent approach
covering policies within the political,
fields, with a view to

2.
towards Nigeria,
economic,
supporting and encouraging Nigeria's own processes of:

trade and development

The EU recognises that progress in these efforts is
the Federal Government of

3.
primarily the responsibility of
Nigeria.

Article 2

1.
Strengthened relations between the EU and Nigeria shall
be based on equality, dialogue and shared values of respect for
human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and good
governance.

2.
This is to be achieved through a constructive political
dialogue, as well as efficient development cooperation. The
latter will be guided by Nigerian priorities, be poverty oriented
and involve close Nigeria-led donor coordination, broad partic-
ipation, accountability and transparency.

Article 3

The EU considers the following as the key areas for future EU
support:

(a) Development of a democratic culture:

This includes respect, protection and fulfilment of human
rights and promotion of equality, regardless of social and
ethnic origin, gender and religion. A culture of democracy
should be nurtured inter alia through:

(i) broad participation in the political process,

(ii) fostering a climate of free and inclusive debate,

(iii) support to civil society,

(iv) support

to processes of

reconciliation related to

human rights violations;

(b) Institutional capacity-building:

(i) constitutional review process,

(a) consolidating democracy and respect

for human rights;

(ii) electoral system,

in view of

forthcoming election

processes,

(b) reducing poverty and achieving sustainable institutional

(iii) good governance and enhanced and careful manage-

reform, social and economic development;

ment of Nigeria's own resources,

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Official Journal of the European Communities

15.5.2001

(iv) budget management,
(v) educative system reform and professional training,
(vi) safety, security and access to justice for all through

reform of police,

judiciary and penal systems,

(vii) re-professionalisation of the military.

(c) Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) process:

The EU will encourage and work with Nigerian authorities
to help develop a coherent and comprehensive PRSP,
through a process inclusive of civil society. The PRSP, and
its subsequent implementation, is an important framework
for sustainable achievements in the reduction of poverty.

Article 5

1.
The EU shall maintain a close and regular political
dialogue with Nigeria. The dialogue shall primarily be held with
the Federal Government, but could also associate civil society
as appropriate and, in agreement with the Federal Government,
State governments. The dialogue will encompass all matters of
mutual concern.

To ensure continuity,

2.
the primary responsibility for
conducting the dialogue on behalf of the EU will be assigned to
the EU Heads of Mission in Nigeria. High-level contacts shall be
pursued on a regular basis.

(d) Economic growth and development:

Article 6

The EU will continue to encourage the Nigerian authorities
to pursue comprehensive and thorough economic and
administrative policy reform measures, diversification of
the economy and to take action to combat the widespread
problem of corruption in order to create a business and
investment-friendly environment. The EU recognises the
responsibility of the Union as well as the role the private
sector can play in this area, taking into account relevant EU
instruments
the OECD Convention on
Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in Inter-
national Business Transactions.

as well

as

(e) Strengthening Nigerian capacity to contribute to regional
integration, conflict prevention and resolution and crisis
management in West Africa:

The EU shall develop dialogue and experience sharing with
Nigeria on regional
issues of common interest (inter alia
crises and political and economic integration). Within the
framework of its policy on conflict prevention, manage-
ment and resolution in Africa, the EU will support and
encourage strengthened Nigerian peace-keeping capacities.

Article 4

The EU stresses the importance of encouraging:

(a) a broad involvement of public authorities and civil society
in the partnership between the EU and Nigeria; and

(b) the building of civil society networks of non-state actors
committed to the processes of democracy and development
in Nigeria, both within the EU and Nigeria respectively and
between the EU and Nigeria.

The Council notes that the Commission intends to direct its
action towards achieving the objectives and priorities of this
Common Position, where appropriate by pertinent Community
measures.

Article 7

In implementing this Common Position, the EU will cooperate
closely with the United Nations, the Organisation of African
the Economic Community of West African States
Unity,
(ECOWAS), the international financial
institutions and other
interested parties.

This Common Position shall be reviewed annually.

Article 8

Article 9

This Common Position shall take effect on the day of
adoption.

its

Article 10

This Common Position shall be published in the Official
Journal.

Done at Brussels, 14 May 2001.

For the Council

The President

A. LINDH