Nigeria Seeks Deeper Economic, Security Partnership with Germany as Berlin Pledges More Investment

By Iyojo Ameh

Nigeria on Wednesday called for deeper cooperation with Germany in trade, investment, renewable energy, security and emerging technologies, as the German government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding economic ties and supporting regional security efforts in West Africa.

The commitment was made during a bilateral meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, in Abuja.

Welcoming the German delegation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the visit as a testament to the enduring friendship between both countries, noting that Nigeria and Germany have built a relationship founded on mutual respect, trust and productive cooperation.

She said Germany remains one of Nigeria’s most strategic partners in Europe, with bilateral cooperation spanning trade and investment, renewable energy, education, vocational training, science and technology, migration, culture, peace and security.

The minister expressed appreciation for Germany’s continued support for Nigeria’s development aspirations and its contributions to peace and stability in West Africa.

According to her, the current global challenges of terrorism, violent extremism, climate change, irregular migration, food insecurity and economic uncertainty have made stronger international partnerships more imperative.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria was committed to expanding collaboration with Germany in renewable energy, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure development and the green economy.

She noted that the Nigeria-Germany Bi-national Commission remained the cornerstone of bilateral relations, adding that Nigeria had continued to implement agreements reached during the commission’s 2025 session through economic reforms aimed at improving the investment climate and encouraging greater private sector participation.

The minister also commended Germany for its longstanding support to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly in promoting regional integration, democratic governance, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance.

She urged more German businesses to invest in Nigeria’s priority sectors, stressing that the Tinubu administration’s ongoing economic reforms were creating a more competitive and investment-friendly environment.

Responding, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Nigeria, describing the relationship as one that has flourished for more than 65 years.

He recalled that Germany established its embassy in Lagos just three days after Nigeria gained independence in 1960, underscoring the depth of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Wadephul said Nigeria remains Germany’s largest bilateral trading partner in Africa, disclosing that trade between both countries grew by 10 per cent in the past year.

He expressed confidence that the Nigeria-Germany Business Forum would continue to boost commercial relations and announced that his visit, accompanied by senior government officials and business leaders, would encourage more German companies to invest in Nigeria.

The German minister also highlighted his country’s interest in Nigeria’s energy sector and commended the performance of the Nigeria-Germany Bi-national Commission in advancing bilateral cooperation.

On regional security, he reiterated Germany’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS in addressing terrorism and violent extremism, particularly in the Sahel region.

Wadephul said Germany looked forward to working closely with Nigeria to further strengthen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation in trade, investment, security and sustainable development.