Nigeria has expressed its readiness to strengthen cooperation with Germany in key sectors, including the economy, security, renewable energy, digital technology and regional stability, as both countries work to deepen their bilateral relationship.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, stated this on Wednesday while hosting Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, and his delegation during a bilateral meeting in Abuja.
She described Germany as one of Nigeria’s closest strategic partners in Europe, noting that the relationship between both countries has continued to grow over the years through mutual trust, respect and collaboration.
“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.
Odumegwu Ojukwu explained that cooperation between Nigeria and Germany now extends beyond diplomacy to areas such as trade, investment, education, renewable energy, 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 rising global challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, climate change, irregular migration, food insecurity and economic uncertainty, have made stronger international partnerships more necessary.
The minister noted that Nigeria is interested in expanding collaboration with Germany in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, critical minerals and the green economy.
She described the Nigeria Germany Bi national Commission as an important platform for strengthening bilateral ties, saying its 2025 meeting produced “a practical roadmap for advancing our strategic partnership.”
According to her, the Federal Government has continued to implement reforms aimed at improving the business environment, promoting good governance and encouraging greater private sector investment.
“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.
She also praised Germany’s support for ECOWAS, describing the country as a dependable partner in regional integration, democratic governance, peace building, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance.
“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.
Odumegwu Ojukwu stressed that growing security threats across West Africa, including terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government and organised cross border crime, require stronger international cooperation.
She also encouraged more German investment in Nigeria’s priority sectors, including renewable energy, manufacturing, agriculture, transport infrastructure, digital technology, industrial development and critical minerals.
“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.
The minister further called for expanded collaboration in education, research, innovation and skills development, highlighting Germany’s technical and vocational education model as an opportunity for Nigerian youths.
“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 confidence that the meeting would further strengthen relations between both countries and produce practical outcomes beneficial to their citizens and governments.