NIGERIA SEEKS STRONGER ECONOMIC, SECURITY PARTNERSHIP WITH GERMANY
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
Nigeria has called for deeper collaboration with Germany in economic development, security, renewable energy, digital innovation and regional peace as both countries move to strengthen their longstanding bilateral relationship.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the call on Wednesday while receiving Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, and his delegation during a bilateral meeting in Abuja.
Describing Germany as one of Nigeria’s most important strategic partners in Europe, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the relationship between both nations has continued to thrive through decades of mutual respect, trust and productive cooperation.
“Your visit is a clear demonstration of the enduring friendship and strong partnership between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Federal Republic of Germany, a relationship that has continued to flourish through decades of mutual respect, trust and productive cooperation,” she said.
The minister noted that Nigeria-Germany relations have expanded beyond diplomacy to include trade and investment, development cooperation, renewable energy, education, vocational training, science and technology, migration, culture, peace and security.
She expressed appreciation for Germany’s continued support for Nigeria’s development agenda and its contributions to the stability and prosperity of West Africa.
According to her, global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, terrorism, violent extremism, climate change, irregular migration, food insecurity and economic uncertainty have made stronger international partnerships increasingly necessary.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria is committed to expanding cooperation with Germany in emerging sectors, including renewable energy, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure development and the green economy.
She identified the Nigeria-Germany Bi-national Commission as a key platform for advancing bilateral cooperation, noting that the outcomes of its 2025 session provide a practical roadmap for strengthening the strategic partnership.
The minister added that Nigeria is implementing the commission’s resolutions through ongoing economic reforms aimed at improving the investment climate, strengthening governance and creating more opportunities for private sector participation.
“We have continued to advance economic reforms aimed at improving the investment climate, strengthening governance, expanding opportunities for private sector participation and promoting sustainable economic growth,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also commended Germany’s support for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), describing the European nation as a dependable partner in promoting regional integration, democratic governance, peace-building, conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance and institutional development.
She called for enhanced cooperation in addressing security challenges across West Africa, including terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government and transnational organised crime.
On economic diplomacy, the minister urged increased German investment in Nigeria’s priority sectors, including renewable energy, manufacturing, critical minerals, transport infrastructure, agriculture, digital technology and industrial development.
She also advocated stronger collaboration in education, research, innovation and human capital development, highlighting Germany’s globally acclaimed technical and vocational education system as a valuable model for empowering Nigerian youths.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to closer ties, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Africa’s largest economy remains ready to work with Germany to advance peace, promote inclusive economic growth and tackle shared global challenges.
She expressed optimism that the bilateral discussions would further strengthen relations between both countries and produce practical outcomes beneficial to their governments and citizens.
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