Nigeria and Germany on Tuesday renewed their commitment to deepen cooperation under the framework of the Nigeria–Germany Bi-National Commission.

This is contained in a statement in Abuja by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Senior Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.

Mr Abdulkadir said that both countries renewed their commitment at a meeting between Mr Tuggar and his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, in Berlin, as both nations marked 65 years of diplomatic relations.

He quoted Mr Tuggar as saying that the cooperation was in terms of foreign affairs, security, energy, trade, and culture.

Mr Tuggar, who conveyed the greetings of President Bola Tinubu, lauded Germany’s enduring friendship and constructive partnership in advancing Nigeria’s national development priorities.

According to him, a Nigeria–Germany relation is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s engagement with Europe and the wider global community.

He said that during the meeting, both countries reviewed progress on the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) led by Siemens Energy and Green Guarantee Group (GGG), co-chaired by Nigeria and designed to mobilise investment in renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Mr Tuggar noted that Nigeria’s energy transition would remain inclusive, leveraging gas as a transition fuel while scaling up renewables.

He added that both countries agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and border management under the German Technical Advisory Group (GTAG).

”There is the need for a firmer stance within the EU against proscribed organisations that exploit European jurisdictions for incitement and illicit financing.

”Bilateral trade, which reached €3 billion in 2024, continues to position Germany as Nigeria’s second-largest European trading partner.

”Beyond hydrocarbons into automotive assembly, ICT, manufacturing, and agro-industrial exports, Nigeria’s removal from the FATF Grey List has strengthened investor confidence and reduced transaction risks,” Mr Tuggar said.

The minister further said that business process outsourcing would offer new opportunities for young Nigerians to service German industries remotely.

He thanked Germany for the restitution of the Benin Bronzes, describing cultural cooperation between both countries as a bridge between their citizens and a symbol of shared respect for history and heritage.

The ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to democracy, UN reform, and multilateral cooperation in the bid to consolidate mutual trust and elevate their partnership anchored on equality.

They both commended ongoing cooperation in migration and skills development through the Talent Partnerships and SUSTAIN Project, with Nigeria proposing expanded collaboration in ICT, engineering, and healthcare. 
(NAN)