Nigeria and Germany have renewed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across critical sectors including power, security, trade, migration, and culture under the framework of the Nigeria–Germany Bi-National Commission.
The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, met with his German counterpart, Minister Johann Wadephul, in Berlin, as both nations marked 65 years of diplomatic relations.
Conveying the warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ambassador Tuggar praised Germany’s “enduring friendship and constructive partnership in advancing Nigeria’s national development priorities.” He described Nigeria–Germany relations as “a cornerstone of our engagement with Europe and the wider global community.”
Talks at the high-level meeting focused on expanding collaboration in key areas. Both ministers reviewed progress on the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) led by Siemens Energy, and the Green Guarantee Group (GGG), co-chaired by Nigeria, designed to attract investment in renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure. Tuggar reaffirmed that Nigeria’s energy transition “will remain inclusive leveraging gas as a transition fuel while scaling up renewables.”
On security, both sides agreed to deepen intelligence sharing, cybersecurity cooperation, and border management under the German Technical Advisory Group (GTAG). Tuggar also called for “a firmer stance within the EU against proscribed organisations that exploit European jurisdictions for incitement and illicit financing.”
Bilateral trade between both nations, which reached €3 billion in 2024, positions Germany as Nigeria’s second-largest European trading partner. Tuggar emphasised the need for diversification “beyond hydrocarbons into automotive assembly, ICT, manufacturing, and agro-industrial exports.”
He noted that Nigeria’s recent removal from the FATF Grey List has boosted investor confidence and reduced transaction risks.
The meeting also reviewed cooperation in migration and skills development, particularly through the Talent Partnerships and SUSTAIN Project, with Nigeria proposing expansion into ICT, engineering, and healthcare.
“Business Process Outsourcing offers new opportunities for young Nigerians to service German industries remotely,” Tuggar said.
He further expressed appreciation to Germany for the restitution of the Benin Bronzes, describing the gesture as “a bridge between our peoples and a symbol of shared respect for history and heritage.”
On regional and global issues, Tuggar briefed on Nigeria’s leadership role within ECOWAS and the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), inviting Berlin to join efforts “to strengthen democratic institutions and stability across West Africa.”
Both ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to democracy, UN reform, and multilateral cooperation.
According to a release by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the renewed dialogue “will consolidate mutual trust and elevate the Nigeria Germany partnership anchored on equality, mutual respect, and shared progress.”
