By Palma Ileye
Federal Government has sought stronger economic cooperation with Germany in agriculture, industrialisation, renewable energy, skills development and investment to accelerate economic growth, create jobs and improve the living standards of Nigerians.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a high-level meeting in Abuja between Nigerian government officials and a delegation from the German Bundestag Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development, led by Prof. Wolfgang Stefinger.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, said deeper bilateral relations would promote trade, investment, technology transfer and development cooperation between the two countries.
Bagudu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for Germany’s continued support through development partners and international financial institutions, noting that both countries, as Federal States, could benefit from sharing experiences in economic management, governance and institutional development.
He identified agriculture, vocational education, renewable energy, industrial development and the creative economy as priority areas for enhanced cooperation.
The minister also stressed the importance of peace, security, democratic governance and sustainable migration management, describing them as essential to long-term economic progress.
According to him, stronger economic partnerships and productive investments would create employment opportunities, raise incomes and promote shared prosperity in both countries.
Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening food security and transforming the agricultural sector.
Kyari highlighted ongoing efforts to increase local food production, reduce food imports and post-harvest losses, expand irrigation, improve access to agricultural financing and modern technologies, and promote climate-resilient farming.
He said empowering smallholder farmers, women and young people through mechanisation, research and agribusiness opportunities remained critical to boosting agricultural productivity, creating jobs and strengthening rural economies.
In the same vein, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, said the government was pursuing economic diversification through manufacturing, industrialisation, entrepreneurship, digital innovation and the creative economy.
Enoh emphasised the need for effective industrial policies, investment promotion and technical and vocational education to generate employment and strengthen local industries.
He commended Germany, particularly its development agency, GIZ, for supporting skills development and institutional capacity-building in Nigeria.
The Minister also highlighted opportunities to support small and medium-sized enterprises, expand the creative industries and deepen bilateral cooperation to attract investment and empower young Nigerians.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, appreciated Germany’s continued support for Nigeria’s economic reforms and development priorities.
She identified industrialisation, agricultural development, infrastructure investment and youth empowerment as essential to creating jobs, improving productivity and reducing irregular migration.
Uzoka-Anite called for sustained development financing and stronger partnerships with German institutions, including financing arrangements modelled on Germany’s KfW framework, to support inclusive growth and sustainable economic development.
Responding, Stefinger thanked the Nigerian government for its hospitality and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
He identified sustainable economic development, vocational training, security, renewable energy and healthcare infrastructure as key areas of interest to the German delegation.
