Economic Diplomacy and Nigeria’s Trade Relations with the European Union: Trends and Challenges

This study analyses the trajectory of Nigeria's economic diplomacy with the European Union (EU), examining the key drivers, institutional frameworks, and persistent challenges that shape this bilateral trade relationship. The EU remains one of Nigeria's largest trading partners, particularly in petroleum exports and manufactured goods imports. Negotiations over the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Nigeria and the EU have stalled repeatedly, reflecting tensions over trade liberalisation, industrial policy, and market access. Drawing on mercantilist and liberal trade theories, this research traces the evolution of Nigeria-EU trade relations from 2019 to 2024 and assesses Nigeria's negotiating posture and outcomes. The study employs a qualitative research design, relying on document analysis of trade statistics, diplomatic communiques, and expert commentary. Interviews with officials at the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EU Delegation in Abuja provide primary data. The analysis focuses on three sectors including crude oil trade, agricultural exports, and textile imports, to offer a grounded assessment of relative gains and losses. It is expected that findings will reveal structural asymmetries in the relationship, with Nigeria's dependence on oil exports limiting diversification efforts and weakening its negotiating leverage. Policy recommendations centre on trade diversification, stronger negotiating coalitions, and improved domestic industrial capacity. Keywords: economic diplomacy, Nigeria-EU trade, Economic Partnership Agreement, trade liberalisation, bilateral relations.