Nigeria and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, security, technology and other areas of mutual interest.
According to a statement by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the commitment was made on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, when the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, received Germany’s Federal Foreign Minister, Dr. Johann David Wadephul, during his first official visit to Nigeria.
The two ministers reviewed the state of relations between both countries and agreed to strengthen political dialogue, trade and investment, renewable energy, critical minerals, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, infrastructure and the green economy.
Ambassador Odumegwu Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the outcomes of the Fifth Session of the Nigeria Germany Binational Commission, while welcoming Germany’s continued support for the Presidential Power Initiative, renewable energy transition and agricultural transformation.
The ministers also discussed regional and global challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, climate change, irregular migration, food insecurity and economic uncertainty.
Dr. Wadephul acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership in combating terrorism and violent extremism, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin and West Africa. He also reaffirmed Germany’s support for humanitarian assistance, stabilisation, post conflict recovery and development programmes.
The German minister described Nigeria as Germany’s foremost strategic partner in West Africa and one of its most important partners in Africa. He noted that more than 100 German companies currently operate in Nigeria and expressed optimism that his visit, accompanied by a business delegation, would attract greater investment.
Both sides also reviewed progress in renewable energy, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and biometric technology, with Germany reaffirming its support for Nigeria’s energy transition and the Presidential Power Initiative.
On migration, Ambassador Odumegwu Ojukwu raised concerns over delays in student visa applications and difficulties faced by Nigerians seeking medical visas. She also appealed for urgent humanitarian assistance in facilitating a visa for the mother of a deceased Nigerian student.
Dr. Wadephul assured the Nigerian Government that the concerns would be reviewed, including the humanitarian case, while reaffirming Germany’s commitment to expanding legal migration pathways and improving visa processing in Nigeria.
The meeting ended with both countries expressing determination to further strengthen their strategic partnership for regional peace, economic prosperity and sustainable development.
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