Nigeria, Germany strengthen ties on economic reforms, food security, investment
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Germany, prioritizing economic cooperation, food security, industrial development, investment, skills acquisition, and renewable energy to drive sustainable job creation across the country.
This commitment was highlighted during a high-level bilateral meeting in Abuja between key Nigerian government officials and a delegation from the German Bundestag Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development, led by Prof. Wolfgang Stefinger.
The engagement allowed both nations to review existing bilateral partnerships, exchange perspectives on ongoing economic reforms, and identify fresh opportunities for mutually beneficial development strategies.
Representing the Federal Government were the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh; Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Deborah Odoh.
In his remarks, Senator Bagudu emphasized the need to expand trade, technology transfer, and development cooperation.
Pointing out that both nations operate as federal systems, he noted that shared experiences in economic governance could unlock significant gains in agriculture, vocational education, renewable energy, and the creative economy.
He added that sustainable economic growth relies heavily on promoting peace, democratic governance, and orderly migration management.
On food security, Senator Kyari detailed ongoing Federal Government initiatives to boost local food production, expand irrigation, cut post-harvest losses, and accelerate climate-resilient farming.
He stressed the importance of empowering smallholder farmers, women, and youth through mechanization and agribusiness financing to strengthen rural economies.
Addressing industrial growth, Senator Enoh commended German development agencies, particularly GIZ, for their consistent support in technical and vocational training.
He reiterated Nigeria’s focus on expanding manufacturing, supporting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), and empowering young people through digital innovation.
Adding to this, Dr. Uzoka-Anite called for enhanced financing partnerships, citing models like Germany’s KfW framework, to accelerate industrialization, infrastructure development, and economic stabilization efforts.
Responding on behalf of the visiting delegation, Prof. Stefinger reaffirmed Germany’s dedicated commitment to expanding cooperation in renewable energy, vocational training, healthcare infrastructure, and security.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s vast economic potential, he expressed optimism that joint efforts would advance sustainable development and mutual prosperity for both nations.
