Germany promises more trade, investments in Nigeria

By Ochiaka Ugwu

German government has pledged its resolve to invest more and deepen trade relation with Nigeria.
The was made known in Abuja Wednesday by the visiting German Foreign Minister, Mr. Johann Wadephul when received by Nigerian Foreign Minister, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Mr. Wadephul who noted the longstanding strategic relationship that has existed between his country and Nigeria for over 65 years, recalled that Grrmany opened its Embassy in Lagos, barely three days after Nigeria gained Independence in 1960.
Wadephul, accompanied by top officials of government and businessmen disclosed that as Nigeria’s biggest European trading partner bilaterally, the volume of trade grew by 10 per cent last year.
He assured that the Nigeria-Germany Business Forum will continue to deepen trade among the two countries, adding that with his visit, many more German investors will be investing in the country.
He further noted the country’s interest in Nigeria’s energy sector stressing that the Nigeria-Germany Bilateral Commission was performing optimally.
He also reiterated that Germany would continue to support the West African Economic Community (ECOWAS) in tackling insecurity in the region caused by terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel, saying he looked forward to working closely with his Nigerian counterpart in bolstering the strategic relationship between the two countries.
Also speaking, Nigerian Minister, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that Germany has remained one of Nigeria’s most important strategic partners in Europe. She stated that their 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.
While appreciating German’s consistent support for Nigeria’s development aspirations and for the stability and prosperity of West Africa, she noted the partnership has become even more significant at a time when the international community is confronted with multiple and interconnected challenges, including geopolitical tensions, terrorism, violent extremism, and climate change, irregular migration, food insecurity and economic uncertainty.