Nigeria and Germany have renewed their commitment to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors including energy, security, trade, migration, and culture under the framework of the Nigeria–Germany Bi-National Commission.
The meeting, held in Berlin, brought together Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and his German counterpart, Minister Johann Wadephul, as both countries marked 65 years of diplomatic relations.
Ambassador Tuggar conveyed the warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing Germany as “a steadfast friend and constructive partner in advancing Nigeria’s national development priorities.”
“Nigeria–Germany relations remain a cornerstone of our engagement with Europe and the wider global community,” Tuggar stated.
Energy and Climate Cooperation
Discussions focused on deepening collaboration in the energy and infrastructure sectors, particularly through the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) led by Siemens Energy and the Green Guarantee Group (GGG) co-chaired by Nigeria.
The initiative seeks to expand power generation and promote investment in renewable and climate-resilient infrastructure. Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s balanced approach to the energy transition.
“Our energy transition will remain inclusive—leveraging gas as a transition fuel while scaling up renewables,” he said.
Security and Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Both ministers also reviewed ongoing cooperation on regional and global security. They agreed to enhance intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and border management under the German Technical Advisory Group (GTAG).
Tuggar called for stronger collaboration within the European Union to combat extremist groups and illicit financial networks operating across borders.
“We urge a firmer stance within the EU against proscribed organisations that exploit European jurisdictions for incitement and illicit financing,” he emphasized.
Expanding Trade and Investment
With bilateral trade reaching €3 billion in 2024, Germany remains Nigeria’s second-largest trading partner in Europe. Ambassador Tuggar advocated for diversification of trade relations beyond hydrocarbons.
“We are looking to expand into automotive assembly, ICT, manufacturing, and agro-industrial exports,” he said. “Nigeria’s removal from the FATF Grey List has strengthened investor confidence and reduced transaction risks.”
Migration, Skills and Youth Empowerment
The ministers commended existing collaboration under the Talent Partnerships and SUSTAIN Project, both of which promote skills development, vocational training, and regulated labour migration.
Ambassador Tuggar proposed expanding cooperation to include ICT, engineering, and healthcare sectors, emphasizing Nigeria’s growing digital potential.
“Business Process Outsourcing offers new opportunities for young Nigerians to service German industries remotely,” he noted.
Culture, Heritage and Regional Leadership
Ambassador Tuggar also expressed appreciation to Germany for the restitution of the Benin Bronzes, describing cultural cooperation as “a bridge between our peoples and a symbol of shared respect for history and heritage.”
On regional matters, the minister briefed his counterpart on Nigeria’s leadership within ECOWAS and the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), inviting Germany to partner more closely on peace and democratic governance in West Africa.
“We look forward to deeper engagement with Germany in strengthening democratic institutions and stability across the sub-region,” Tuggar said.
Both ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to democracy, UN reform, and multilateral cooperation, pledging to build on six decades of friendship.
“This renewed dialogue will consolidate mutual trust and elevate our partnership—anchored on equality and shared prosperity,” Ambassador Tuggar concluded.
