Nigeria has called for greater investment by German businesses in renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, critical minerals and other priority sectors as both countries moved to deepen their long-standing strategic partnership.

The appeal came yesterday during a bilateral meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, in Abuja.

The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, security, education, technology and regional stability, with both ministers reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries.

Welcoming the German delegation, Odumegwu-Ojukwu described Germany as one of Nigeria’s most important strategic partners in Europe, noting that relations between both countries have continued to grow beyond diplomacy to encompass trade and investment, renewable energy, education, vocational training, science and technology, migration, culture, peace and security.

The minister said Nigeria remained committed to building a stronger relationship with Germany that would deliver tangible benefits to both countries while promoting regional peace, security and sustainable development.

She identified renewable energy, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure development and the green economy as sectors with enormous opportunities for expanded collaboration.

In his remarks, Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening relations with Nigeria, recalling that Germany opened its embassy in Lagos just three days after Nigeria gained independence in 1960, marking more than 65 years of diplomatic relations.

He noted that Nigeria remains Germany’s largest bilateral trading partner in Africa and disclosed that trade between the two countries grew by 10 per cent last year.

MEANWHILE, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has expressed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening its bilateral partnership with Denmark, describing the relationship between the two countries as strategic and mutually beneficial.

Bagudu made this statement during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja, when he received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to Nigeria, His Excellency Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and his delegation.

The minister, who welcomed the ambassador alongside the Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, and directors, ministerial aides, and management staff of the ministry, noted that Nigeria values its longstanding relationship with Denmark and is committed to expanding cooperation in critical areas of mutual interest.

Earlier, Ambassador Jens Ole Bach Hansen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria, describing the relationship between the two countries as built on shared values, mutual respect, and common priorities.

The ambassador commended the minister for his role in strengthening bilateral relations and expressed appreciation for his attendance at Denmark’s National Day Reception.