Germany has identified Nigeria as its second-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a trade volume of €3 billion, according to the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Günther.
Speaking in Abuja ahead of the forthcoming Nigerian-German Binational Commission scheduled for early November in Berlin, Ambassador Günther said the relationship between both nations is anchored on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and practical economic cooperation.
She noted that trade between the two countries grew by 30 percent in 2025, reflecting Nigeria’s steady economic recovery and renewed investor confidence.
“Our goal is to move from cooperation to true partnership partners who share responsibility on their continents and work together to shape a peaceful and prosperous world,” Günther stated.
She revealed that more than 90 German companies are currently operating in Nigeria, indirectly creating over 17,000 jobs, particularly in the energy and pharmaceutical sectors.
Beyond trade, Ambassador Günther said Germany remains a committed partner in Nigeria’s development and security sectors, supporting military training, police reform, and humanitarian initiatives in conflict-affected regions of the North-East and North-West.
“Germany has stood side by side with Nigeria in building military capacity from officer training to technical skills like automotive mechanics. In the North-East, we are supporting the reconstruction of schools, health centres, markets, and police stations,” she said.
She added that Germany would continue to assist Nigeria in combating terrorism, noting that high-level military staff talks between both countries are scheduled to hold in Abuja next month the first of its kind.
Highlighting key areas of collaboration, Günther cited two major projects: the Presidential Power Initiative with Siemens, now entering its second phase, expected to add about 7 gigawatts to Nigeria’s energy grid; and a gas sector partnership focused on eliminating gas flaring and improving Nigeria’s carbon footprint.
“Germany’s renewed investment in digitisation, infrastructure, education, and renewable energy will not only boost our economy but also strengthen economic ties with partners like Nigeria,” she said.
The Ambassador reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to expanding educational and cultural cooperation with Nigeria. She announced that the Goethe Institute now offers language classes in Abuja and that Berlin is seeking deeper collaboration with Nigeria’s film industry, describing Nollywood as “a strong international force with immense creative potential.”
Günther emphasised that the future of German-African relations would be defined by equality and shared goals, not aid dependency.
“It is obvious that the relationship between Europe and Africa is no longer based on donor-recipient dynamics but on mutual respect and common interests. A prosperous and secure Nigeria is also in Germany’s interest because when Nigeria thrives, Africa thrives,” she said.
The upcoming German-Nigerian Binational Commission in Berlin will focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, security, energy, education, migration, and cultural exchange, aiming to further elevate ties between both countries.
