Nigeria will host Germany’s top diplomat in Abuja on Wednesday for strategic talks aimed at expanding economic and security cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu will receive her German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen a partnership that has lasted several decades.
According to the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the discussions will review progress on existing agreements and explore new areas of collaboration. Germany is described by the ministry as one of Nigeria’s key strategic partners in Europe.
Top on the agenda are trade and investment, renewable energy and green industrialisation, healthcare, agriculture, education, migration, digital innovation, science and technology, and security. Both sides are also expected to talk about attracting more German investment into Nigeria’s priority sectors and boosting vocational skills training.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria values its strategic partnership with the Federal Republic of Germany and remains committed to deepening bilateral cooperation in areas of shared interest for the mutual benefit of both countries and their peoples,” the ministry said in a statement. It added that Nigeria looks forward to engagements that will support inclusive growth, regional stability and shared prosperity.
The ministry expressed confidence that Wadephul’s visit will further solidify relations and reaffirm both countries’ commitment to addressing global challenges through dialogue.
Ahead of the Germany meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu also held talks with Portugal’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, on the sidelines of the Eurafrican Forum. She said both ministers discussed setting up a Nigeria-Portugal Joint Commission to enable regular political consultations.
Areas flagged for deeper cooperation with Portugal include trade and investment, renewable energy, maritime security, digital technology, agriculture, education, defence and capacity development. The two also discussed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement and a Double Taxation Agreement to improve connectivity and make it easier for businesses to invest.
The Nigeria-Germany consultations come as the federal government pushes to broaden partnerships beyond traditional allies to support energy transition, job creation and technology transfer.
