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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has said that Nigeria remains firmly committed to strengthening its relationship with Germany in a manner that delivers tangible benefits for both peoples while contributing to regional and global peace, security, and sustainable development.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated this when she received the visiting German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, in Abuja.
She said the visit was 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.
Germany, the minister noted, has remained one of Nigeria’s most important strategic partners in Europe, stating that bilateral relations extend beyond diplomacy to encompass trade and investment, development cooperation, renewable energy, education, vocational training, 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.
“Our partnership has become even more significant at a time when the international community is confronted with multiple and interconnected challenges, including geopolitical tensions, terrorism, violent extremism, climate change, irregular migration, food insecurity and economic uncertainty. These challenges underscore the importance of strong international partnerships built on dialogue, solidarity and shared responsibility.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to strengthening its relationship with Germany in a manner that delivers tangible benefits for our peoples while contributing to regional and global peace, security and sustainable development. We believe there is considerable scope to deepen our collaboration in emerging areas such as renewable energy, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure development and the green economy,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further said the Nigerian-German Bi-national Commission has continued to serve as the cornerstone of bilateral engagement between both countries.
She added that the successful convening of the 2025 session of the commission reaffirmed the shared commitment to expanding cooperation across key sectors and provided a practical roadmap for advancing the strategic partnership.
“Since that meeting, Nigeria has remained committed to implementing the agreed outcomes. 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. We have also intensified engagement with German institutions and investors in sectors of mutual priority, while sustaining cooperation on migration management, vocational education, renewable energy and security.
“We look forward to the next session of the Bi-national Commission as an opportunity to review the progress made, address outstanding issues and identify new areas of cooperation that reflect the changing realities of our economies and the aspirations of our peoples,” she added.
She also expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to Germany for its longstanding support for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
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Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that Germany has remained a dependable partner in promoting regional integration, democratic governance, peace-building, conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance, and institutional capacity development within the West African region.
“As the current regional security landscape continues to evolve, particularly with the threats posed by terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government and transnational organised crime, sustained international partnerships remain indispensable. Nigeria welcomes Germany’s continued collaboration with ECOWAS and looks forward to even greater cooperation in strengthening regional peace, security and economic resilience.
“Economic diplomacy remains a key pillar of Nigeria’s foreign policy. Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Government of Nigeria is implementing wide-ranging reforms designed to build a more competitive, resilient and investment-friendly economy. 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.
“We also attach great importance to expanding cooperation in education, research, innovation and human capital development. Germany’s global reputation for excellence in technical and vocational education presents significant opportunities for collaboration that will equip our young people with the skills required to compete successfully in an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy.
“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. Together, we can build a stronger partnership that not only serves our respective national interests but also contributes meaningfully to regional and international stability,” the minister stated.
In his remarks, Wadephul noted the longstanding strategic relationship that has existed between Germany and Nigeria for more than 65 years.
He recalled that Germany opened its embassy in Lagos barely three days after Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
The visiting minister, who was accompanied by top government officials and business leaders, disclosed that as Nigeria’s second-largest bilateral European trading partner, the volume of trade grew by 10 per cent last year.
Wadephul assured that the Nigeria-Germany Business Forum would continue to deepen trade between the two countries, adding that, following his visit, more German investors would invest in Nigeria.
He further noted Germany’s interest in Nigeria’s energy sector, stressing that the Nigeria-Germany Bi-national Commission was performing optimally.
Wadephul also reiterated that Germany would continue to support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in tackling insecurity in the region caused by terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel.
He said he looked forward to working closely with his Nigerian counterpart to strengthen the strategic relationship between the two countries.
