In a renewed push to strengthen bilateral relations, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday in Berlin, with discussions centered on deepening cooperation in energy, trade, and labour migration.
Germany, which counts Nigeria as its second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, has prioritized energy collaboration as a cornerstone of its economic engagement with the region. The meeting marks a strategic effort to expand the scope of this partnership amid growing global interest in critical raw materials and sustainable energy sources.
Expanding Trade and Labour Channels
Minister Tuggar emphasized the need to intensify trade, particularly in critical minerals and raw materials, and called for greater collaboration on labour migration frameworks that would benefit both economies.
“Enhancing economic ties, particularly in resource-based trade and skilled labour mobility, is essential for mutual growth,” Tuggar noted.
The foreign minister, who previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany, also highlighted opportunities for advancing vocational training and expanding investment in human capital development.
German Private Sector Urged to Step Up
On his part, Wadephul expressed Germany’s interest in increasing private sector involvement in Nigeria, citing Volkswagen’s operations as a model for other German companies to follow.
“We want more German firms to see Nigeria not just as a market, but as a partner in innovation, energy transformation, and workforce development,” Wadephul said.
Focus on Vocational Training and Mineral Resources
The ministers also explored avenues for collaboration in vocational training and the exploration of Nigeria’s vast critical mineral resources, positioning both countries to benefit from the evolving global green economy.
The high-level meeting signals a growing momentum in Nigeria-Germany relations, particularly in sectors crucial to economic modernization, youth employment, and sustainable energy transitions.
