ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have agreed to deepen Nigeria–Germany relations with fresh collaboration in security, electricity transmission, and railway development.
The resolution followed a telephone conversation between the two leaders on Wednesday afternoon, during which they reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral ties that have spanned over 65 years.
Power Sector Boost: Siemens, Deutsche Bank Step In
A major highlight of the discussion was Nigeria’s ongoing Presidential Power Initiative. President Tinubu emphasised the country’s urgent need for support in strengthening its power transmission infrastructure.
In response, Chancellor Merz pledged that German industrial giant Siemens would be ready to provide technical assistance, while Deutsche Bank would be willing to finance the project.
The move is expected to give fresh momentum to Nigeria’s electricity reform drive, which aims to stabilise supply and unlock industrial growth.
Joint Concern Over Sahel Security
Security cooperation also topped the agenda, with both leaders expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in the Sahel region.
President Tinubu underscored the urgent need for intelligence reconnaissance support and called for the supply of used helicopters to strengthen surveillance operations.
“The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support reconnaissance is needed,” the President stated, highlighting the cross-border security implications for West Africa.
Rail, Creative Arts, and Skills Development
Beyond security and energy, the two leaders agreed to collaborate in railway modernisation, creative arts, and skill development — areas seen as crucial to economic diversification and youth empowerment.
Chancellor Merz also stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy and advocated for the establishment of a Great Museum of African Arts, a proposal aimed at strengthening cultural exchange between Africa and Europe.
Diplomatic Ties at 65
The conversation, which began at 2:01 p.m. and ended around 2:10 p.m., reaffirmed the longstanding diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Germany.
Chancellor Merz expressed anticipation for the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador to Germany, signalling readiness to further solidify diplomatic engagement.
Analysts say the renewed partnership signals a strategic shift toward pragmatic cooperation — blending German technical expertise with Nigeria’s development ambitions.
With security, infrastructure, and cultural collaboration now firmly on the table, Abuja and Berlin appear poised to enter a new chapter of mutually beneficial engagement.
About The Author
