Nigeria-Germany trade volume has hit an all-time high of €3 billion, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther said on Thursday
The envoy who addressed a press conference in Abuja said the 30% increase could be attributed to Nigeria’s economic recovery.
Gunther who called the press conference ahead of the joint Nigerian-German binational commission scheduled for Berlin, in German, noted that Nigeria remains “Germany’s second biggest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa with a total trade volume of 3 billion Euros,” adding that: “Trade volumes have increased this year by 30% due to Nigeria’s economic recovery.”
The envoy equally revealed that more than 90 German companies are active in the country, “indirectly creating about 17.000 jobs in Nigeria.”
Gunther also told journalists that good times between both countries were not over, promising Nigerians that more investments are on the way, especially in the energy and the pharmaceutical sectors.
She revealed that in the energy sector, the Presidential Power initiative is now in the second phase.
She said: “This cooperation with the German energy giant Siemens will add about 7 Gigawatts to Nigeria’s Energy Grid. Secondly, the German –Nigerian cooperation in the Gas sector, eliminating gas flaring and improving Nigeria´s CO2 footprint.”
The envoy revealed that the relationship has also improved in the area of Visa and Migration as no fewer than 7,600 visas were issued to both students and short term stay, adding that plans were already in place to increase the number.
Gunther said: “All the common goals and projects would not work if they were not supported by travels on all levels between our two countries, plus legal migration. Last year alone, the German Embassy here in Abuja and the German Consulate General in Lagos granted around 1400 long-term visas for purposes such as study in Germany, family reunion and employment as well as around 6200 visas for short-term stays such as business and tourism.
She revealed that: “This year, we are well on track to raise those numbers,” stating that:
“The German missions remain committed to furthering the bilateral relations by granting visas to properly documented applications.”
She also assured that in the area of military cooperation, Germany will continue to stand by Nigeria.
She said: “This year marked a new chapter: the launch of our first Bilateral Annual Programme, bringing military experts from both countries together for in-depth exchanges and joint planning.
“Through the Bundeswehr Advisory Group, Germany has been a reliable partner — supporting Nigeria with field medical expertise and counter-IED operations, car mechanical training and other interventions.
“And we’re not stopping here. Germany will continue to stand with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
“Next month, we’ll take this cooperation to the next level: for the first time, high-level military staff talks will take place in Abuja, opening the door to even closer collaboration in the future.”
She also revealed other areas of cooperation which includes support for the Nigeria police force and the drug enforcement agency amongst others.
In the area of stabilization efforts at containing impacts of terrorism and climate change, the envoy said: “Germany is supporting the development of resilient state institutions and the strengthening of local communities.”
She said focus are on the North East (Borno, Adamawa, Yobe) and the North West (Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina), “where initiatives such as the reconstruction of schools, health centres, markets, housing, and police stations are improving both security and daily life for local people.”
Michael Olugbode
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