Germany and Lagos State have highlighted opportunities for stronger cooperation in technology, trade, education and energy, with German Consul General Daniel Krull identifying information technology as a promising area for deeper economic ties with Nigeria in 2027.
Krull and Lagos State Secretary to the Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, spoke with ARISE News on the sidelines of Germany’s National Day celebration on November 3 at the German Consulate General in Victoria Island, Lagos.
In his address, Krull described Nigeria as Germany’s most important trading partner in West Africa and a key political partner, noting that both countries shared interests in international trade and reform of the United Nations Security Council.
He put Germany’s development cooperation portfolio in Nigeria at more than €700 million in grants and loans, adding that his government wanted to link development assistance more closely with private-sector investment.
He cited the SEED project near Abeokuta, involving Nigeria’s FNG and Siemens Energy, as an example. Supported by Germany and the European Union, the initiative aims to train more than 5,000 Nigerian technicians for the energy sector.
Krull also identified smart-grid solutions and energy storage systems as areas where German companies could support Nigeria’s renewable energy development. He disclosed that the German Consulate in Lagos already relies largely on solar power.
On digital infrastructure, he said Germany was ready to explore with Nigeria an approach similar to its support for a national cloud system in Saudi Arabia. He also pointed to opportunities for cooperation in digital currency and cross-border African trade.
IT Identified As Key Area For 2027
Speaking with Arise News, Krull identified information technology as the sector with the strongest potential for cooperation between both countries in 2027.
“I think the most exciting sector will be the IT sector,” he said.
“We have strong German companies present here in Lagos and I see a huge potential for growth. Many IT systems in Nigeria are already running on German software and SAP.”
Krull said Germany’s experience of overcoming divisions after the Second World War also offered lessons on unity and cooperation for countries such as Nigeria.
He highlighted academic cooperation through scholarships awarded to Nigerian researchers by German institutions, including the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Lagos Seeks Technology Exchange And Trade Opportunities
Salu-Hundeyin, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said Lagos was interested in strengthening its relationship with Germany, citing the presence of German companies and a sizeable German community in the state.
In her interview with Arise News, she highlighted opportunities for technology exchange, trade and cultural collaboration, saying Lagos could learn from German technological expertise while promoting Nigerian products, services and culture.
In her prepared remarks on behalf of the governor, she said Nigeria and Germany had maintained diplomatic relations for 66 years, with German businesses, educational institutions and cultural organisations contributing to development in Lagos.
“There are friendships between nations that extend beyond the agreement that governments sign. They are sustained by generations of people who work together, exchange ideas, establish businesses, and build lasting relationships,” she said.
She added that the two countries could build on their respective strengths, saying: “Germany’s industrial and technological strengths, alongside Nigeria’s enterprise and economic potential, provide opportunities for our two countries to deepen cooperation in ways that benefit both societies.”
Germany Outlines Visa Processing Changes
Krull said Germany had increased visa application slots through external service providers and planned to improve the quality and number of visa counters at its Lagos consulate before the end of 2026.
He also said the country was working towards transferring more applications to a service centre in Germany for remote processing.
The Consul General disclosed that a centre to verify academic documents issued by Nigerian universities, research institutions and schools was almost ready to open. He said verification would become mandatory for Nigerians applying for study visas to Germany.
The celebration featured cultural performances by Ade Bantu and friends, including Nneka and Oge Kimono.
The event marked the 36th anniversary of German Unity Day, observed annually on October 3 to commemorate the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990.
Ademide Adebayo
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