President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and Germany, with renewed focus on collaboration in the security, power, and railway sectors.
The resolution followed a telephone discussion between the two leaders on Wednesday afternoon, during which they also signalled interest in expanding cooperation in creative industries and skills development.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency on Wednesday night, the leaders deliberated on the Presidential Power Initiative. President Tinubu noted that Nigeria would require support, particularly in the area of power transmission infrastructure.
The statement indicated that the German Chancellor assured that Siemens would be prepared to provide assistance, while Deutsche Bank would be open to financing the project.
“The two leaders also expressed worry over the situation in the Sahel region. President Tinubu called for the supply of used helicopters to help in intelligence reconnaissance in the region.
“The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support reconnaissance is needed,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
The statement further noted that Chancellor Merz conveyed his country’s anticipation of the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador to Germany, signalling continued diplomatic engagement.
He also highlighted the importance of arts and cultural exchange, proposing the establishment of the Great Museum of African Arts as part of efforts to deepen cooperation in the creative sector.
The Presidency disclosed that the telephone conversation commenced at 2:01 p.m. and concluded at approximately 2:10 p.m. The statement was signed by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga.
What you should know
President Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have agreed to strengthen ties between Nigeria and Germany, focusing on security, power transmission, rail infrastructure, and creative industries.
Germany signalled readiness for Siemens to support Nigeria’s power transmission needs and for Deutsche Bank to help finance projects under the Presidential Power Initiative. The leaders also discussed insecurity in the Sahel region, with Tinubu requesting reconnaissance support.
The conversation reflects growing strategic cooperation between both countries in economic development, security assistance, and cultural exchange.
