By Stephen Simon
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in tackling insecurity, while pledging to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries amid growing regional security challenges.
Wadephul gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja after bilateral talks with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, where both countries discussed measures to strengthen collaboration in security, trade and investment.
The German minister said the worsening insecurity across the Sahel region, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, continues to pose a serious threat to coastal West African countries, including Nigeria. He described Nigeria as a frontline state in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
As part of Germany’s support, Wadephul announced that Berlin would provide €10 million this year to assist the return and reintegration of people displaced by insurgency in communities previously occupied by Boko Haram and Islamic State-linked militants.
Responding, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that sustained international partnerships remain critical to addressing terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and other cross-border security threats confronting Nigeria and the wider West African region.
Beyond security, both ministers agreed to expand economic relations, with Wadephul describing Nigeria as Germany’s key strategic partner in West Africa owing to its status as the region’s largest economy and a leading member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He disclosed that bilateral trade between Nigeria and Germany grew by about 10 per cent in the past year, noting that Nigeria remains Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, while more than 100 German companies currently operate in the country.
The visit marks a renewed effort by both countries to strengthen diplomatic, security and commercial ties as they seek to confront regional instability, encourage investment and promote sustainable economic growth through closer bilateral cooperation.
