Nigeria has urged German businesses to scale up investments in renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and critical minerals as both countries work to strengthen a partnership that spans more than six decades.
The call was made yesterday in Abuja during bilateral talks between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul.
Discussions centred on expanding cooperation in trade, infrastructure, security, education, technology and regional stability. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic and diplomatic ties.
Welcoming the German delegation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described Germany as one of Nigeria’s most important European partners. She said relations have evolved beyond diplomacy to cover trade and investment, renewable energy, vocational training, science and technology, migration, culture, and peace and security.
“Nigeria remains committed to building a stronger relationship with Germany that delivers tangible benefits for our people while promoting regional peace, security and sustainable development,” she said.
The minister listed priority areas for collaboration to include renewable energy, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and the green economy.
On his part, Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to Nigeria, noting that Germany opened its embassy in Lagos three days after Nigeria’s independence in 1960. That, he said, marked the start of over 65 years of diplomatic relations.
He added that Nigeria remains Germany’s largest bilateral trading partner in Africa, with trade between both countries growing by 10 per cent last year.
In a separate engagement also held in Abuja, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said Nigeria is committed to deepening its strategic partnership with Denmark.
Bagudu made the remarks while receiving the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and his delegation. He was joined by the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, and senior officials of the ministry.
The minister said Nigeria values its longstanding relationship with Denmark and is keen to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Ambassador Hansen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to the partnership, describing it as one built on shared values, mutual respect and common priorities. He also commended Bagudu for his role in strengthening bilateral ties and thanked him for attending Denmark’s National Day Reception.
Both meetings underscore Nigeria’s push to attract more foreign investment into priority sectors as it seeks to diversify the economy, improve energy access, and drive technology and infrastructure growth.
