Nigeria and Germany have reaffirmed commitments to strengthen cooperation across key sectors including energy, security, trade, migration, and culture, under the framework of the Nigeria–Germany Bi-National Commission (BNC).
Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with his German counterpart, Minister Johann Wadephul, in Berlin as both countries marked 65 years of diplomatic relations.
According to a statement by Alkasim Abdulkadir, SA Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister, the meeting reflected the two nations’ desire to build a future-oriented partnership anchored on mutual respect and shared development goals.
Tuggar praised Germany’s “enduring friendship and constructive partnership in advancing Nigeria’s national development priorities.”
He described the relationship as “a cornerstone of our engagement with Europe and the wider global community.”
The statement noted that talks between the two Ministers centred on advancing ongoing energy initiatives. Both sides reviewed progress on the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) being implemented by Siemens Energy and the Green Guarantee Group (GGG), co-chaired by Nigeria, which seeks to attract investment into renewable and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to an inclusive energy transition, saying the country will “continue leveraging gas as a transition fuel while scaling up renewable energy sources.”
“Security cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. Nigeria and Germany agreed to deepen collaboration in intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and border management under the German Technical Advisory Group (GTAG)”, the statement added.
Tuggar urged for “a firmer stance within the EU against proscribed organisations that exploit European jurisdictions for incitement and illicit financing.”
“With bilateral trade hitting €3 billion in 2024, Germany remains Nigeria’s second-largest trading partner in Europe”, Tuggar stated.
Tuggar called for diversification of trade and investment beyond hydrocarbons, urging greater collaboration in automotive assembly, ICT, manufacturing, and agro-industrial exports.
He also noted that Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list has boosted investor confidence and reduced transaction risks.
Both countries applauded progress under the Talent Partnerships and SUSTAIN Project, which promote skills development and regulated migration.
Nigeria proposed expanding cooperation in ICT, engineering, and healthcare, with Tuggar highlighting Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) as a new opportunity “for young Nigerians to service German industries remotely.”
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The Minister also commended Germany for returning the looted Benin Bronzes, describing cultural exchange as “a bridge between our peoples and a symbol of shared respect for history and heritage.”
On regional stability, Tuggar briefed his counterpart on Nigeria’s leadership role within ECOWAS and the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), inviting Germany to collaborate in strengthening democratic institutions and peace across West Africa.
Both Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to democracy, UN reform, and multilateral cooperation aimed at achieving global peace and prosperity.
Tuggar concluded that the renewed dialogue “will consolidate mutual trust and elevate our partnership, anchored on equality, respect, and shared prosperity.”
