NEXIM, EU deepen urban development partnership

By Fredrick Ameh

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Abba Bello, has received a delegation from the European Union under its Urban Development Technical Facility (UDTF) to strengthen collaboration on sustainable urban development in Nigeria.

Discussions centred on aligning the EU’s UDTF initiative with Nigeria’s urban priorities, particularly in developing structured frameworks for urban-focused interventions aimed at improving infrastructure planning and economic growth.

A key highlight of the meeting was the Sealink Project, alongside critical assessments of the Ikorodu and Kirikiri terminals.

The engagement explored ways to integrate these infrastructure assets into a coordinated urban system to enhance trade efficiency and regional connectivity, and both parties emphasised the need for resilient and efficient urban systems capable of supporting Nigeria’s growing population and expanding trade ecosystem.

The collaboration signals a strategic step toward building globally competitive urban infrastructure, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to sustainable development, economic integration, and improved logistics networks across the region.