PRESIDENT TINUBU, GERMAN CHANCELLOR EXPLORE BILATERAL COOPERATION ON ENERGY AND SECURITY
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have agreed to enhance cooperation between Nigeria and Germany in the security, power, and railway sectors.
Germany pledged support for Nigeria’s power transmission infrastructure and intelligence operations in the Sahel region.
During a telephone conversation on Wednesday afternoon, the leaders also expressed their commitment to deepening the 65-year diplomatic relationship between their countries and exploring collaboration in the creative arts and skills development.
A statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noted that the discussion included the Presidential Power Initiative, with President Tinubu highlighting Nigeria’s need for assistance in power transmission.
The German Chancellor assured that Siemens is ready to provide support for Nigeria’s power transmission needs, while Deutsche Bank expressed willingness to finance the project.
Both leaders also voiced concern over the worsening security situation in the Sahel region. President Bola Tinubu specifically requested the supply of used helicopters to aid intelligence reconnaissance operations.
“The Sahel corridor is in a critical state and requires our support. Intelligence reconnaissance is urgently needed,” President Tinubu said during the call.
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A statement highlighted that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Germany have spanned 65 years.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his anticipation for the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador to Germany. He also emphasized the importance of the arts, advocating for the establishment of the Great Museum of African Arts.
The telephone conversation, which began at 2:01 p.m. and concluded around 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday, included discussions on the Presidential Power Initiative. Originally launched under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the initiative is a partnership with Siemens Energy aimed at upgrading Nigeria’s power transmission and distribution infrastructure.
The project has faced implementation challenges over the years, with power generation remaining below installed capacity due to transmission constraints. Nigeria’s power sector continues to struggle with inadequate transmission infrastructure, frequent national grid collapses, and widespread electricity outages affecting millions of citizens.
The Sahel region, bordering Nigeria’s northern states, has seen a rise in terrorist and armed bandit activities, fueling insecurity across West Africa.
Nigeria has experienced spillover from instability in neighbouring countries, with groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, and various bandit factions operating across the nation’s porous borders.
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