President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have agreed to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Germany on power transmission infrastructure, security and rail development during a telephone discussion, the presidency said on Wednesday.
Nigeria and Germany have maintained bilateral relations for over 65 years, engaging on economic development, security, energy and cultural cooperation.
The two leaders held the phone conversation as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries, reflecting shared interests in economic and security partnerships.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu and Chancellor Merz discussed the Presidential Power Initiative, with Tinubu outlining Nigeria’s need for support in power transmission infrastructure.
Chancellor Merz pledged that Siemens would assist with power transmission, and that Deutsche Bank would be willing to finance related projects, the statement said.
The leaders also spoke about security challenges, particularly in the Sahel region, with Tinubu requesting intelligence reconnaissance support and the supply of used helicopters to aid operations.
In addition, both leaders expressed willingness to deepen cooperation in the railway sector, creative arts and skill development as part of efforts to expand their nations’ longstanding partnership.
The agreement on power infrastructure support could influence progress on ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector and efforts to attract international investment.
Security cooperation discussions, particularly on intelligence and reconnaissance support, align with Nigeria’s engagement with international partners on regional security issues.
Rail sector cooperation discussions form part of broader economic collaboration between Nigeria and German institutions aimed at improving transportation infrastructure.
