Council Common Position of 27 May 2002 on Nigeria and repealing Common Position 2001/373/CFSP
Date: 2002-05-27
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: Nigeria, constitution, cooperation policy, democracy, human rights, peacekeeping, regional development, rule of law

29.5.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

L 139/1

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

COUNCIL COMMON POSITION

of 27 May 2002

on Nigeria and repealing Common Position 2001/373/CFSP

(2002/401/CFSP)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

(6)

Action by the EU is needed in order to implement
certain measures,

Having regard to the Treaty on the European Union, and in
particular Article 15 thereof,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

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 (1), 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 areas where
they still face considerable challenges, in particular in the
areas of security and human rights, electoral and consti-
tutional reforms, governance and economic reform.

The EU, mindful of the effect that conflicts and human
rights violations could have on the fragile democratic
process in Nigeria, has noticed with concern the recent
rise in level of political, ethnic and religious violence,
and the difficulties experienced with the implementation
of economic reforms.

(1) OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3.

HAS ADOPTED THIS COMMON POSITION:

Article 1

The objective of this Common Position is to strengthen
1.
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

(a) consolidating democracy and respect

for human rights;

(b) reducing poverty and achieving sustainable institutional

reform, social and economic development;

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

peace, security and development.

3. While the EU recognises that progress in these efforts is
crucially dependent on activity by the Federal Government of
Nigeria, it also acknowledges the increasingly important role of
the Federal States in the areas of development.

Article 2

Strengthened relations between the EU and Nigeria shall
1.
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. This
cooperation will be guided by Nigerian priorities, will be
poverty-oriented and will involve close Nigeria-led donor coor-
dination, broad participation, accountability and transparency.

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Official Journal of the European Communities

29.5.2002

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,
in accordance with
Nigeria's
international human rights obligations. This
democratic culture shall 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,

(v) the respect of national laws and international norms

and conventions,

(b) Institutional capacity-building:

(i) constitutional review process,

(ii) electoral system,

in view of forthcoming elections,

(iii) good governance and enhanced and careful manage-

ment of Nigeria's own resources,

(iv) budget management,

(v) education 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 and disbanding

of para-military groups,

(viii) support to Nigerian capacity to analyse, anticipate
and take preventive measures in respect of internal
conflicts, and to better manage conflict and post
conflict situations;

(c) Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and development
cooperation with the overall aim of poverty reduction:

The EU will encourage and work with the Nigerian authori-
ties 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 poverty reduction.

business and investment-friendly environment. The EU
recognises its responsibility as well as the role the private
sector can play in this area, taking into account relevant EU
instruments as well as the OECD Convention on combating
bribery of foreign public officials in international business
transactions.

(e) Strengthening Nigerian capacity to contribute to regional
integration, conflict prevention management and resolution
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.

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,

the primary responsibility for
2.
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 and the diversifica-
tion of the economy and to take action to combat the
widespread problem of corruption in order to create a

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.

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Official Journal of the European Communities

L 139/3

Article 7

Article 10

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

Article 8

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

its

Article 11

This Common Position shall be published in the Official
Journal.

This Common Position shall be reviewed annually.

Done at Brussels, 27 May 2002.

Article 9

Council Common Position 2001/373/CFSP of 14 May 2001
on Nigeria (1) is hereby repealed.

For the Council

The President

M. ARIAS CAÑETE

(1) OJ L 132, 15.5.2001, p. 1.