The European Union has pledged €30 million to support Nigeria in strengthening the rule of law, combating corruption, and reducing gender-based violence.

The financial assistance will be allocated through the second phase of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, managed by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, made the announcement during the launch of the program, acknowledging the positive impact of the first phase that benefited over 1.5 million people.

Isopi highlighted achievements such as the establishment of policies, increased compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice law, enhanced inter-agency cooperation against corruption, and improved protection of children’s rights.

Isopi emphasized the need for a second phase of ROLAC to consolidate progress and focus on criminal justice, prison reforms, gender-based violence prevention, and anti-corruption policies.

The program will be implemented at the federal level and in five states – Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano, and Lagos – with the possibility of extension to two additional states.

The EU envoy to Nigeria and ECOWAS said, “These are crucial achievements that we are proud to celebrate on the eve of the 16 days of activism against gender based violence and on the occasion of the celebration the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

“Based on these results, it was clear to us at the European Union, that a second phase of this ROLAC was needed, to consolidate the progress and continue the work on strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption in Nigeria,”

She assured continued EU support for Nigeria’s rule of law and anti-corruption initiatives, emphasizing the importance of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law for sustainable peace and development.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, commended the success of ROLAC Phase 1 and expressed confidence in the positive impact of Phase 2.

He highlighted achievements from the first phase, including improvements in prison management systems, the establishment of shelters and sexual assault referral centers, and contributions to the national anti-corruption strategy.

Representing the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Lanre Adekanye, the Director of International Cooperation, praised the collaboration between the EU and Nigeria in promoting good governance structures aligned with the national development plan.

Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, expressed the Ministry’s gratitude and optimism about the positive outcomes anticipated under ROLAC Phase II.

The EU expects the intervention to align with Nigeria’s national development plan and contribute to sustainable growth and governance structures.