Germany, through its Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, has funded a project to equip 18 young Nigerians with specialised skills in the hospitality sector.

The project would ensure professional growth and create new opportunities for legal migration.

Germany’s consul general in Nigeria, Daniel Krull, at the African Skills 4 Germany project event on Wednesday in Lagos, said the programme would drive stronger economic cooperation between the two countries.

The initiative is being implemented by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria in collaboration with IHK Giessen-Friedberg, the GIZ Centre for Migration and Development, and the Goethe Institute.

Mr Krull said the selected participants would gain practical experience that enhanced their employability while promoting safe and structured pathways for workforce mobility.

According to him, the pilot project is designed to equip selected Nigerian youths with technical, language, and cultural training to prepare them for work in Germany.

He said the initiative was driven by Germany’s aging population and the country’s increasing need for a younger workforce, while Nigeria’s youthful and ambitious population presents a natural opportunity for partnership.

“Germany has a fast-aging population, with many people going on pension, creating a growing demand for a younger workforce. Nigeria, on the other hand, has a young, talented, and ambitious population seeking employment,” he said.

He said the collaboration aimed to match Germany’s labour needs with Nigeria’s youth potential through structured, legal, and mutually beneficial migration pathways.

Mr Krull said the training covered not only technical and language skills but also personality and cultural development to help participants integrate successfully into German society. He said the ongoing pilot programme focuses on one sector with high and growing demand for young professionals.

He added that the project’s success would pave the way for expansion into other areas, such as mechatronics and information technology.

“The outcome should be to deliver a proof of concept that works. Once proven successful, we can look at other sectors like mechatronics, IT, and more,” he said.

Andreas Mertenbacher, project Lead, African Skills 4 Germany, Gießen-Friedberg, disclosed that while over 350 people applied for the programme, 18 people were ultimately chosen.

He said the Nigerian youth conducted themselves brilliantly throughout the entire selection process, noting that Nigeria has a lot of young people who are willing to learn.

“Germany, on the other hand, has a very aging population, and we need young people in the workforce, so it’s a natural fit. Those who have been selected, we expect to go on to learn and train in Germany, have long careers there, and become ambassadors for the country. If this first batch works brilliantly, we can look at more people, look at different niches within the hospitality sector, or possibly other sectors,” he said.

Mr Mertenbacher said the project, funded by the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy, meant that the beneficiaries would have no need to cover any costs aside from their transportation costs.

According to him, they only need to pay with their time, skills, and enthusiasm. He stated that during the duration of their training, participants would receive a salary that could cover their expenses, rent, and groceries.

Adedotun Adeoye, project lead, African Skills 4 Germany, said the programme was geared towards training motivated Nigerian youths interested in hospitality in Germany. 

According to Adeoye, the beneficiaries would enjoy a dual system of education in Germany, meaning education in combination of companies and the hospitality industry.

“Aside from the learning of the language currently ongoing at the Goethe Institute, they will also be taught the cultural aspect of the German side. This training may also provide the opportunity for them to come back to the country to also invest what they’ve been taught in Nigeria to improve the hospitality sector in Nigeria,” he said.

Adeniyi Taiwo, German Language Instructor at the Goethe Institute, said the project would set the stage for an excellent relationship between Germany and Nigeria.

Mr. Taiwo noted that Germany, with its aging population, was seeking young and vibrant individuals to contribute to its culture and diversity.

“My message to Nigerians is that the legal route to migration is the only way to go, and the legal route is possible through programmes of this nature. I believe these people who go abroad can come back over the years to improve our hospitality industry,” she said.

Manuel Wisdom, a beneficiary of the programme and a chef, said the initiative afforded him the opportunity to create an intersection between Nigerian and German dishes.

Mr Wisdom pledged to project the country’s image responsibly as its ambassador on the project.

Folashade Adedeji, another beneficiary, who previously worked as a chemistry teacher, expressed hope that the success of the first cohort would lead to opportunities for more Nigerians to be trained and skilled under the programme.

(NAN)