Germany pledges stronger ties with Nigeria
The new Consul General of Germany in Lagos, Daniel Krull, has pledged to deepen economic, cultural, and academic cooperation between Germany and Nigeria.
Mr Krull, who assumed office in August, spoke during a news conference on Monday at the German Consulate in Lagos.
He described Lagos as Nigeria’s economic hub, saying he felt prepared for his role, having previously served as Germany’s ambassador to Ghana.
Mr Krull said a priority is to strengthen people-to-people exchanges between both nations.
He noted that improving visa services remained central to the consulate’s work and reforms were underway.
According to him, the consulate processes over 10,000 visas yearly, and visa counters will be doubled to fast-track applications.
He said external service providers would soon support specific visa categories while a diploma verification system was being developed.
He stated, “We are trying to serve our Nigerian customers better in the future.”
Mr Krull emphasised that boosting economic relations remained key, describing Nigeria as Germany’s largest trading partner in West Africa.
He said more could be achieved in commercial cooperation between both countries.
The envoy expressed optimism about attracting additional German IT companies seeking skilled talent from Nigeria’s expanding tech community.
He noted this could become a major pillar of bilateral relations.
Mr Krull noted that a German film industry delegation was in Lagos for the African Film Festival, which began on Sunday.
He said the group included filmmakers, intellectual property experts, and equipment companies seeking collaborations with Nollywood.
“This visit marks the first outreach by German movie companies to Nigeria, and we hope for deeper cooperation in film production,” he said.
Mr Krull added that Germany also plans to expand scientific cooperation and strengthen partnerships between universities in both countries.
He highlighted Germany’s support for the Museum of West African Arts in Benin City.
The museum, funded with about €6 million from Germany, will feature the Nigeria Imaginaries Exhibition previously shown in Vienna in 2024.
“There is a wide basket of promising areas of cooperation, and I hope to act as a facilitator across sectors,” he said.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Hot news Home top
Afreximbank commits $75 million finance facility to DBN SMEs funding
Ms Awani said, “Our objective is to help Nigerian SMEs build productive capacity and strengthen their competitiveness.”
Diaspora
U.S.-based Nigerian ex-patrol officer Sinmi Asomuyide jailed for handcuffing, raping teenager inside police car
The FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge, Timothy O’malley, said the officer had abused the trust placed in him and attempted to cover up his crimes.
Agriculture
FAO, GEF commit $7.1 million for sustainable food system in Niger, Kebbi
Ms Ogunkua urged stakeholders to take ownership of the programme.
NationWide
Minister inaugurates five CNG stations in Lagos to ease transportation costs
The stations are located at Idimu, Ogolonto, Abule-Egba, Ajah and Oko-Oba.
World
Ezidi victim-survivors of ISIS genocide in Iraq, Syria to share stories before truth commission
The statement said, “Victim-survivors, including women and men of all ages, will share their stories publicly for the first time.”
NationWide
2027: NHRC, EU, IPAC recommend urgent measures to protect civic, political space
Mr Mignot reaffirmed the commitment of the European Union and its member states to supporting Nigeria’s democratic institutions and legitimate stakeholders.
