Nigeria has called for deeper collaboration with Germany in trade, renewable energy, digital innovation, security and critical minerals as both countries seek to strengthen their long-standing strategic partnership.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the call while welcoming her German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, and his delegation to Abuja for a bilateral meeting.
In her speech made available on Wednesday, she described Germany as one of Nigeria’s most important strategic partners in Europe, noting that bilateral relations have expanded beyond diplomacy to include trade and investment, development cooperation, renewable energy, education, vocational training, science and technology, migration, culture, and peace and security.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the growing global challenges of terrorism, violent extremism, climate change, irregular migration, food insecurity and economic uncertainty require stronger international partnerships built on dialogue, solidarity and shared responsibility.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Germany in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure development and the green economy.
The minister also commended the Nigeria-Germany Binational Commission, describing it as the cornerstone of bilateral relations.
She said Nigeria has continued to implement agreements reached during the Commission’s 2025 session through economic reforms, improved investment policies and stronger engagement with German institutions and investors.
According to her, Nigeria looks forward to the next session of the Commission to review progress, resolve outstanding issues and identify new areas of mutual cooperation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed appreciation for Germany’s continued support for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly in promoting regional integration, democratic governance, peace-building, humanitarian assistance and institutional capacity development.
She stressed that sustained international cooperation remains essential to tackling terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa, expressing Nigeria’s readiness to work more closely with Germany to enhance regional peace and security.
Responding, German Foreign Minister, Wadephul, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening its over 65-year strategic partnership with Nigeria, recalling that Germany established its Embassy in Lagos just three days after Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
Wadephul noted that Germany remains Nigeria’s largest bilateral trading partner in Europe, with trade between both countries increasing by 10 per cent last year.
He said the Nigeria-Germany Business Forum would continue to boost trade and investment, expressing confidence that more German investors would expand their presence in Nigeria following his visit.
He also highlighted Germany’s interest in Nigeria’s energy sector, commended the Nigeria-Germany Binational Commission for advancing bilateral cooperation, and reaffirmed Germany’s support for ECOWAS in tackling terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel.
He expressed optimism about working closely with Nigeria to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
