Germany Pledges Higher Investment in Nigeria and Backs ECOWAS on Terrorism
Reporting based primarily on punchng.com.
Bilateral Meeting in Abuja
Germany has pledged to increase investment in Nigeria while reaffirming its support for the Economic Community of West African States in tackling terrorism and violent extremism across the region. [1] The commitment was made on Wednesday in Abuja during a bilateral meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and her German counterpart, Johann Wadephul. [1] Wadephul described Nigeria as Germany’s largest bilateral trading partner in Europe. [1] The German foreign minister, who was accompanied by senior government officials and business leaders, said the Nigeria-Germany Business Forum would continue to strengthen commercial ties and encourage greater German investment in Nigeria. [1] He also highlighted Germany’s strong interest in Nigeria’s energy sector, noting that the Nigeria-Germany Bilateral Commission was performing optimally in advancing cooperation between both countries. [1] Earlier, the Nigerian foreign affairs minister described Germany as one of Nigeria’s most important strategic partners in Europe. [1]
Trade Growth and Investment Plans
Wadephul revealed that trade between both countries grew by 10 per cent in the past year. [1] The German foreign minister said, “As Nigeria’s biggest European trading partner bilaterally, the volume of trade grew by 10 per cent last year.” [1] He added, “With my visit, many more German investors will be investing in the country.” [1] Wadephul stressed that Germany would continue to support ECOWAS in addressing regional insecurity driven by terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel. [1] The minister noted the longstanding strategic partnership between Germany and Nigeria, recalling that Germany established its embassy in Lagos just three days after Nigeria gained independence in 1960. [1] He expressed optimism about working closely with Odumegwu-Ojukwu to further strengthen bilateral relations. [1] Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged German businesses to take advantage of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms by investing in priority sectors. [1]
Nigeria's Priorities for Cooperation
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the relationship had expanded beyond diplomacy to trade, investment, renewable energy, education, science and technology, migration, culture, peace and security. [1] She stated, “Our 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.” [1] Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria remained committed to deepening cooperation with Germany in renewable energy, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure development and the green economy. [1] She described the Nigeria-Germany Bi-national Commission as “the cornerstone of our bilateral engagement.” [1] The minister also commended Germany for its longstanding support for ECOWAS in promoting regional integration, democratic governance, peace-building, conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance and institutional capacity development. [1] Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that Nigeria welcomed Germany’s continued collaboration with ECOWAS and looked forward to greater cooperation in strengthening regional peace, security and economic resilience. [1]
Support for ECOWAS and Regional Security
Both ministers noted Germany’s long partnership with Nigeria dating to its embassy opening in Lagos three days after independence in 1960 and welcomed continued collaboration on ECOWAS for regional integration, peace and security. [1] Wadephul said Germany would back ECOWAS on regional insecurity from terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel. [1] Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, “As the current regional security landscape continues to evolve, particularly with the threats posed by terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government and transnational organised crime, sustained international partnerships remain indispensable.” [1] She urged German businesses to take advantage of Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms by investing in priority sectors, including renewable energy, manufacturing, critical minerals, transport infrastructure, agriculture, digital technology and industrial development. [1] The minister expressed confidence that the bilateral discussions would produce practical outcomes that would strengthen relations between both countries and benefit their citizens. [1]
Historical Ties and Future Outlook
The minister noted the longstanding strategic partnership between Germany and Nigeria, recalling that Germany established its embassy in Lagos just three days after Nigeria gained independence in 1960. [1] He expressed optimism about working closely with Odumegwu-Ojukwu to further strengthen bilateral relations. [1] Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the successful 2025 session reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation across key sectors. [1] The minister expressed confidence that the bilateral discussions would produce practical outcomes that would strengthen relations between both countries and benefit their citizens. [1]
What to watch next: The Nigeria-Germany Bi-national Commission is expected to advance further cooperation in energy and security areas while ECOWAS continues to receive backing against regional threats. [1][2][3]
