By Palma Ileye
Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Germany, with emphasis on investment promotion, energy partnerships and the implementation of existing bilateral agreements.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, stated this on Monday in Abuja when the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Stefan Rössel, paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry.
Bagudu expressed appreciation for Germany’s longstanding partnership and support for Nigeria’s economic reform programme, particularly during the early stages of implementation.
He recalled that when German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Nigeria, the Federal Government was implementing major economic reforms that required the support of international partners, including Germany, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Union.
The Minister said Germany’s support had contributed to Nigeria’s reform efforts, adding that the country remained committed to strengthening its relationship with development partners.
He also acknowledged Germany’s role in facilitating high-level engagements between both countries, particularly in trade, investment and energy cooperation.
According to him, discussions during the Nigerian President’s visit to Germany advanced negotiations on key energy agreements, creating further opportunities for bilateral collaboration.
Bagudu disclosed that discussions had also covered cooperation involving €25 million and €300 million in export credit guarantees, describing them as important areas for continued engagement.
He said Nigeria’s ongoing reforms had created opportunities to attract more investment, strengthen productive capacity and translate international partnerships into tangible economic benefits.
The Budget Minister assured the German delegation that the ministry was ready to work with the German government and relevant institutions to expand areas of mutual interest and strengthen bilateral relations.
Earlier, Rössel described relations between Nigeria and Germany as strong and longstanding, expressing Germany’s commitment to building on existing achievements and exploring new areas of cooperation.
The Ambassador, who arrived in Nigeria a few weeks ago, acknowledged the complex global economic, political and strategic environment facing both countries.
He, however, expressed confidence that the longstanding relationship between the two nations would provide a solid foundation for addressing emerging challenges and sustaining mutually beneficial cooperation.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, congratulated Rössel on his appointment and welcomed him to Nigeria.
She expressed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with the Ambassador and relevant German agencies, stressing the need to translate bilateral agreements and shared commitments into practical results.
Uzoka-Anite said effective implementation of agreements was critical to achieving the objectives of the partnership and ensuring that joint initiatives delivered meaningful outcomes.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Deborah Odoh, described Germany as a reliable development partner whose technical expertise, knowledge exchange and experience had contributed to Nigeria’s development.
She expressed optimism that the Ambassador’s tenure would create further opportunities to deepen cooperation and advance relations between the two countries.
