ABUJA — Nigeria and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening a 65-year diplomatic relationship, with renewed focus on economic cooperation, security and sustainable development.
The commitment was reinforced during bilateral talks in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her German counterpart, Johann Wadephul.
Details of the meeting were contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
“Our 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,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She noted that the enduring partnership, built on mutual trust and respect, remains vital as both countries confront global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, economic uncertainty and food insecurity.
Wadephul, in his remarks, highlighted the historical depth of relations, recalling that Germany established its embassy in Lagos shortly after Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
He added that trade between both countries grew by 10 per cent in the past year, reinforcing Germany’s position as Nigeria’s largest European trading partner.
The German minister expressed optimism about expanding investment flows into Nigeria, particularly through the Nigeria-Germany Business Forum, which he said would continue to drive commercial engagement.
Both countries also emphasised the importance of the Nigeria-Germany Bi-national Commission in advancing strategic cooperation and implementing agreed initiatives across key sectors.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to economic reforms aimed at improving the business environment and attracting foreign investment into priority sectors such as renewable energy, manufacturing, agriculture and digital technology.
On regional matters, both sides stressed the need for sustained collaboration in tackling insecurity in West Africa, with Germany reaffirming its support for ECOWAS in addressing terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel.
The meeting is expected to further consolidate diplomatic ties and open new opportunities for cooperation between Africa’s largest economy and Europe’s leading industrial power.
