Nigeria and Germany have reaffirmed their strong bilateral partnership, pledging to deepen cooperation in energy, security, trade, migration, and culture under the Nigeria–Germany Bi-National Commission.
During a high-level meeting in Berlin, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, celebrated 65 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Ambassador Tuggar, delivering President Bola Tinubu’s warm regards, commended Germany for its enduring friendship and consistent support for Nigeria’s development goals.
He described the Nigeria–Germany relationship as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s engagement with Europe and the broader global community. Both sides reviewed key initiatives such as the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) led by Siemens Energy and the Green Guarantee Group (GGG), designed to attract investment in renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure. Tuggar reiterated Nigeria’s inclusive energy transition plan, leveraging natural gas as a transition fuel while expanding renewable energy adoption.
On security, both ministers agreed to enhance collaboration through intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and border management, under the German Technical Advisory Group (GTAG). Tuggar also urged the European Union to take a stronger stance against proscribed groups exploiting EU jurisdictions for incitement and illicit financing.
Bilateral trade between the two nations reached €3 billion in 2024, making Germany Nigeria’s second-largest trading partner in Europe. Tuggar highlighted the importance of diversifying trade beyond oil and gas into sectors such as automotive assembly, ICT, manufacturing, and agro-industrial exports. He noted that Nigeria’s recent removal from the FATF Grey List has improved investor confidence and reduced transaction risks.
Both countries praised ongoing collaboration in migration and skills development through the Talent Partnerships and SUSTAIN Project, with Nigeria proposing their expansion into ICT, engineering, and healthcare sectors. Tuggar emphasized the potential of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) to create new opportunities for Nigerian youth to work remotely with German firms.
He also expressed appreciation for Germany’s restitution of the Benin Bronzes, describing cultural cooperation as a bridge of mutual respect and shared heritage.
On regional and global affairs, Tuggar briefed his counterpart on Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOWAS and the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), inviting Germany to collaborate in strengthening democratic institutions and stability across West Africa.
Both ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to democracy, UN reform, and multilateral cooperation. Ambassador Tuggar concluded that the renewed engagement will “consolidate mutual trust and elevate our partnership anchored on equality, shared values, and sustainable progress.”
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