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Nigeria-Germany Deepen Ties on Energy, Security, Trade, Migration
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…as Bi-National Commission marks 65 years of partnership
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and Germany have reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation across key sectors of the economy, including energy, security, trade, culture, and migration under the framework of the Nigeria–Germany Bi-National Commission.
This renewed partnership was underscored during a high-level meeting in Berlin between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and his German counterpart, Minister Johann Wadephul, as both countries celebrated 65 years of diplomatic relations.
Ambassador Tuggar, who conveyed the warm regards of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), praised Germany’s “enduring friendship and constructive partnership” in supporting Nigeria’s development goals, describing the relationship as “a cornerstone of our engagement with Europe and the global community.”
The discussions centred on expanding cooperation in critical areas such as power, economic growth, and regional security.
Both Ministers reviewed ongoing progress on the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), a collaboration with Siemens Energy, and the Green Guarantee Group (GGG) co-chaired by Nigeria — both aimed at accelerating investment in renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s balanced energy transition approach, as he emphasised that it “will remain inclusive — leveraging gas as a transition fuel while scaling up renewables.”
On security cooperation, the two countries agreed to deepen collaboration in intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, and border management through the German Technical Advisory Group (GTAG).
Ambassador Tuggar also urged the European Union to adopt “a firmer stance against proscribed organisations that exploit European jurisdictions for incitement and illicit financing.”
Trade relations between both nations remain strong, with bilateral trade reaching €3 billion in 2024, making Germany Nigeria’s second-largest European trading partner.
Tuggar who also called for greater diversification of trade “beyond hydrocarbons into automotive assembly, ICT, manufacturing, and agro-industrial exports,” noted that Nigeria’s removal from the FATF Grey List has boosted investor confidence and reduced transaction risks.
Both sides applauded ongoing cooperation in migration and skills development, particularly through the Talent Partnerships and the SUSTAIN Project, with Nigeria proposing further collaboration in ICT, engineering, and healthcare.
Tuggar also highlighted emerging opportunities in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), saying it allows “young Nigerians to provide remote services to German industries.”
The Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for Germany’s restitution of the Benin Bronzes, describing the gesture as “a bridge between our peoples and a symbol of mutual respect for history and heritage.”
On regional and international matters, Tuggar briefed his counterpart on Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOWAS and the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), inviting Germany to partner in promoting democratic governance and stability across West Africa.
Both Ministers restated their shared commitment to democratic values, UN reform, and multilateral cooperation.
Ambassador Tuggar concluded that the renewed dialogue “will consolidate mutual trust and elevate our partnership — anchored on equality, respect, and shared progress.”
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Just in: Massive Explosion Rocks APC Governorship Candidate’s Convoy in Borno as Terrorists Attack
The convoy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Borno State, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, was reportedly ambushed by suspected Boko Haram terrorists on Thursday evening.
This development occurred along the Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway as Gubio and his entourage were returning to Maiduguri after a thank-you visit to Damasak, a border town in northern Borno State.
Damasak is located about 190 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.
According to a security source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the attackers allegedly planted landmines along the highway, with a police armoured vehicle leading the convoy triggering one of the explosives.
“We entered Damasak safely and spent about 40 minutes there. On our way back, the insurgents planted mines on the road, and the armoured vehicle that led the convoy drove over it and exploded,” the source said.
The explosion was reportedly followed by an attempted ambush as the insurgents opened an attack on the convoy.
Security operatives comprising military personnel, police officers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) reportedly engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to retreat.
The source said the security team had to take defensive positions after the blast while waiting for other vehicles in the convoy to arrive.
“We had to park and take positions, waiting for the remaining vehicles in the convoy to arrive. In the course of waiting, we noticed the movement of the insurgents and swiftly engaged them,” the source added.
The combined security team reportedly succeeded in repelling the attack and preventing further damage to the main convoy.
However, the police armoured vehicle that triggered the explosive device was said to have been severely damaged in the blast.
The Gubio-Kareto-Damasak highway is considered one of the most dangerous routes in northern Borno because of the activities of insurgents and the persistent threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and ambushes.
The route is also strategically important to insurgents operating around the Lake Chad region, with security sources saying it provides access towards Alagarno, the Sambisa Forest and parts of Yobe State.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the security challenges confronting political activities and campaign movements in Borno State ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also brings back memories of the assassination of Modu Fannami Gubio, an ANPP governorship candidate, who was shot dead by gunmen in Maiduguri in January 2011.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Borno State Police Command were unsuccessful as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nahum Kenneth Daso, reportedly did not answer calls or respond to text messages sent to his phone.
The security agencies had not publicly confirmed the reported attack at the time of filing this report.
The Emir of Gumel in Jigawa State, Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, has died.
The monarch passed away on Thursday in Egypt.
His death has thrown the people of the Gumel Emirate and residents of Jigawa State into mourning, with tributes expected to continue to pour in from across the state and beyond.
The death of the respected traditional ruler is a significant loss to his family, associates and the entire Gumel community. Prayers have been offered for Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.
Prayers were also offered for Allah to grant his family, loved ones and the people of Gumel the strength and patience to bear the loss.
The death of the Emir represents a major loss to the Gumel Emirate, given the important role traditional institutions play in promoting peace, unity, cultural values and community development.
The Gumel Emirate is one of the historic traditional institutions in northern Nigeria, with a rich heritage and longstanding influence in the social and cultural affairs of its people.
As Emir, the late Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sani II, CON, served as custodian of the traditional institution and provided leadership to the people of the emirate.
His passing is expected to be deeply felt by members of the royal family, traditional title holders, community leaders and residents across the emirate.
United States federal agents have nabbed a podcaster, Azariah Southworth, in Los Angeles over allegations that he threatened to kill US President Donald Trump.
According to New York Post on Thursday, Southworth was taken into federal custody in Los Angeles following an investigation into the alleged threats against Trump.
Southworth is known for hosting the Yass, Jesus podcast and previously hosted the Christian television programme, The Remix. His arrest has brought federal authorities’ attention to statements allegedly made by him concerning the president.
The allegations against Southworth have not been established in court, and details of any criminal charges filed against him were not immediately available in the report. Federal authorities typically investigate threats against the president as potential federal offences.
US law prohibits knowingly and willfully threatening to kill, kidnap or inflict bodily harm on the president. Such cases can result in federal prosecution if investigators determine that a statement meets the legal threshold for a criminal threat.
Federal authorities have pursued similar cases involving alleged threats against Trump in recent years.
The US Department of Justice has previously announced charges and convictions involving people accused of making threats against the president online and through other forms of communication.
Authorities have also stressed in previous cases that an arrest or criminal charge does not establish guilt. Prosecutors are required to prove the allegations in court, while defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted.
Southworth’s arrest comes amid continued security concerns surrounding threats against Trump and other US public officials. Further details about the allegations, possible charges and Southworth’s next court appearance are expected to emerge as the federal case proceeds.
Just in: Massive Explosion Rocks APC Governorship Candidate’s Convoy in Borno as Terrorists Attack
Nigerians react as UK permits foreign workers to change employers
