The chairman of the German Bundestag’s Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr Wolfgang Stefinger, has identified renewable energy, vocational training and public health as priority areas for stronger cooperation between Germany and Nigeria during a visit to Lagos.
Stefinger made the remarks on Monday during a visit by a German parliamentary delegation aimed at deepening development and economic cooperation between both countries.
“We are here because Nigeria is a very important partner for Germany and we want to strengthen our cooperation in development cooperation and economic cooperation,” he said in an interview.
He said Germany was interested in working more closely with Nigeria in renewable energy, practical training for young people and healthcare.
“There are many topics. Renewable energy, vocational training, the public health system is very important for us. We want to work closer together in all of these areas,” he said.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the German Consulate in Lagos, Stefinger described Nigeria as an important partner for Germany and said relations between the two countries extended beyond diplomatic ties.
“When we look at the relationship between our two countries, we see more than just diplomatic ties. There is a deep, active, and forward-looking partnership,” he said.
He also emphasised the role of cultural understanding and dialogue in sustaining relations between both countries.
“True friendship, however, is not measured in trade figures or project volumes alone. It shows through cultural respect and dialogue,” Stefinger said.
The delegation’s programme included a performance by the Crown Troupe of Africa, which used dance and drama to explore the ambitions of young Nigerians and challenges involving employment, entrepreneurship and access to opportunities.
German Consul General in Lagos Daniel Krull said Germany had more than €700 million worth of projects ongoing in Nigeria and wanted to strengthen links between private-sector investment and development assistance.
Krull also highlighted skills development, citing Germany’s support for electrician training connected to energy projects in Nigeria.
The visit provided an opportunity for German lawmakers to engage with Nigerian stakeholders and explore areas where both countries could expand cooperation.
Ademide Adebayo
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