Nigeria has called for deeper cooperation with Germany in economic development, security, renewable energy, digital innovation and regional peace as both countries seek to strengthen their longstanding bilateral relations.
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 the two countries had continued to grow 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 had expanded beyond diplomatic ties to cover trade and investment, development cooperation, renewable energy, education, vocational training, science and technology, migration, culture, peace and security.
“We deeply appreciate Germany’s consistent support for Nigeria’s development aspirations and for the stability and prosperity of West Africa,” she added.
She said current global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, terrorism, violent extremism, climate change, irregular migration, food insecurity and economic uncertainty, had made stronger international partnerships more important.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria was committed to expanding cooperation with Germany in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure development and the green economy.
According to her, the Nigeria-Germany Bi-national Commission remained a key platform for advancing bilateral cooperation, with the 2025 session providing “a practical roadmap for advancing our strategic partnership.”
She said Nigeria had continued to implement the commission’s resolutions through 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,” the minister said.
The foreign affairs minister also acknowledged Germany’s support for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), describing the country as a reliable partner in promoting regional integration, democratic governance, peace-building, conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance and institutional development.
“Nigeria welcomes Germany’s continued collaboration with ECOWAS and looks forward to even greater cooperation in strengthening regional peace, security and economic resilience,” she said.
She stressed that security challenges across West Africa, including terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government and transnational organised crime, required sustained international cooperation.
On economic diplomacy, Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged greater German investment in key sectors of Nigeria’s economy, including renewable energy, manufacturing, critical minerals, transport infrastructure, agriculture, digital technology and industrial development.
“We therefore encourage greater participation by German businesses in Nigeria’s priority sectors, including renewable energy, manufacturing, critical minerals, transport infrastructure, agriculture, digital technology and industrial development,” she stated.
She further called for stronger collaboration in education, research, innovation and human capital development, highlighting Germany’s globally recognised technical and vocational education system as an area of opportunity for Nigeria’s youth.
“As Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, Nigeria remains committed to working closely with Germany in advancing peace, promoting inclusive economic growth and addressing common global challenges,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She expressed optimism that the discussions would further deepen relations between both countries and deliver practical outcomes that would benefit their governments and citizens.
Source: Punch online