…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.”
