Politics
THE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Germany to enhance mutual benefits for the two countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu made the pledge during a bilateral meeting with visiting German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, in her office on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Minister lauded Germany for remaining one of Nigeria’s most important strategic partners in Europe, saying the bilateral relations between the two countries extended beyond diplomacy.
She noted that relations between the two countries encompassed trade and investment, development cooperation, renewable energy, education, vocational training, science and technology, migration, culture, peace and security.
According to her, Nigeria will continue to appreciate Germany’s consistent support for its development aspirations, and for the stability and prosperity of West Africa.
“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,” the minister said.
She disclosed the partnership between the two countries had become more significant at a time when the international community was confronted with multiple and interconnected challenges.
This, according to her, includes geopolitical tensions, terrorism, violent extremism, climate-change, irregular migration, food-insecurity and economic uncertainty.
The minister noted that these critical areas of bilateral cooperation underscored the importance of strong international partnerships built on dialogue, solidarity and shared responsibility.
She stressed the need to prioritise the Nigerian-German Bi-national Commission, to review the progress made, tackle outstanding issues and identify new areas of cooperation that would reflect the changing realities of both economies.
The minister expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for Germany’s longstanding support as a dependable partner in promoting regional integration, democratic governance, peacebuilding, conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance and institutional capacity development within West Africa.
On economic diplomacy, she reiterated that Nigeria was implementing wide ranging reforms designed to build a more competitive, resilient and investment friendly economy under the current administration.
“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,” she further said.
Speaking earlier, Wadephul traced the strategic relationship between Germany and Nigeria to the opening of its Embassy in Lagos, three days after Nigeria gained Independence in 1960.
He disclosed that, as Nigeria’s biggest European bilateral trading partner, the volume of trade between the two countries grew by 10 per cent in 2025.
He assured that the Nigeria-Germany Business Forum would continue to deepen trade among the two countries, saying many more German investors would be investing in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Wadephul added that Germany would continue to support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Sahel region in tackling terrorism and violent extremism. (NAN)
A.I
July 23, 2026
Tags: Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu Johann Wadephul