Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has called on investors to tap into the deep cultural and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Germany to drive mutual economic growth.
Tuggar made the call on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Salute Nigeria Initiative, organisers of the Nigeria-German Investment and Cultural Expo (NGICE), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Having served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany for six years, Tuggar commended the NGICE concept, describing it as a platform capable of further strengthening bilateral relations between both nations.
“When it comes to culture, Germany listens,” Tuggar noted. “Germany is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and there is a lot in that cultural space that requires investment and collaboration. Nigeria is experiencing a cultural renaissance — from Afrobeat music to globally celebrated cuisine and fashion. Our superfoods, such as moringa, bamboo, and world-class ginger, are in high demand internationally.”
The minister recommended engaging the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Nigeria’s Mission in Berlin to ensure full institutional support for the expo. He also urged organisers to involve the German Embassy in Nigeria to help facilitate visas and smooth collaboration.
Former Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Mike Okiro, who chairs the Salute Nigeria Initiative Board of Trustees, said Berlin was chosen for NGICE because of its status as Europe’s cultural hub. He stressed that Nigeria’s wealth extends beyond crude oil and gas to rich cultural assets that can attract global investment.
Ambassador Chielo Ojirika, Director-General of the Salute Nigeria Initiative and NGICE Coordinator, revealed that the expo, scheduled for October 20–23 in Berlin, aims to showcase Nigeria’s investment potential, strengthen economic ties with Germany, and position Nigeria as an “investors’ paradise.”
