NGICE 2025: A Strategic Support for Tinubu’s Agenda – Tuggar

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has described the forthcoming Nigerian-German Investment and Cultural Expo (NGICE) in Berlin as more than just an exhibition.

According to him, the Expo goes beyond cultural display as it underscores the strength of Nigeria’s bilateral ties with Germany, while also aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by opening new opportunities for investment, trade, and cultural diplomacy. He assured the organisers of the Ministry’s full support.

Tuggar made this known when he received in his office a high-level delegation of NGICE 2025 led by former Inspector General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, Chairman of the Organising Committee. The Expo is scheduled for October 2025 in Berlin.

The Minister stressed that the initiative comes at a crucial time as it complements the President’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment and promote Nigeria’s cultural heritage on the global stage.

“Germany and Nigeria share a long-standing relationship founded on mutual respect and cooperation,” Tuggar said, recalling his tenure as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany. “This initiative is close to my heart, and I see it as part of the cultural and economic renaissance taking place under President Tinubu.”

While clarifying that sectoral responsibilities would remain with relevant ministries—particularly Culture and Tourism, and Trade and Investment—Tuggar assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is prepared to provide diplomatic backing, especially in visa facilitation for participants.

“We are ready to play our part. On visas and diplomatic clearance, there should be no difficulty from our side,” he stated, urging the organisers to maintain close collaboration with the German Embassy in Nigeria.

Highlighting Germany’s openness to cultural cooperation, Tuggar referenced past events such as the 2019 Nigeria Cultural Day in Berlin and the recent restitution of looted Benin artefacts, noting that Berlin is a fitting host city for the Expo.

A Platform for Cultural Diplomacy and Investment

In his remarks, Sir Mike Okiro explained that the Expo aims to showcase Nigeria’s vast investment opportunities, particularly in oil, gas, and solid minerals, while also promoting Nigerian music and film to a global audience.

Similarly, Ambassador Chielo Ojirika, popularly known as Chiboy D’Black Courage—Nigeria’s Cultural Ambassador to Germany and Coordinator of the Expo—said NGICE 2025 is being designed as a strategic platform to attract foreign direct investment while celebrating Nigeria’s cultural and business diversity.

“NGICE 2025 is about bringing the world to Berlin for Nigeria. We are presenting our nation as an investor’s paradise, rich with untapped potential in trade, agriculture, fashion, technology, and culture,” Ojirika stated.

He revealed that the Expo will feature exhibitions, business forums, investment showcases, and roundtable sessions with investors, CEOs, financial institutions, and public-private leaders. Other highlights will include cultural performances, a global peace concert, a gala night with awards, networking sessions, and guided tours of German institutions and companies.

“We are not just promoting investment but also showcasing Nigeria’s soft power—our culture, our people, and our potential,” he added.

Ojirika also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its backing and assured that the organisers are committed to delivering a world-class event that advances Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic interests.

As preparations intensify, stakeholders remain optimistic that NGICE 2025 will serve as a high-impact platform to strengthen Nigeria-Germany relations, boost investor confidence, and project Nigeria’s global image in line with President Tinubu’s policy direction.