Germany–Nigeria trade relations have grown significantly, rising by 30 per cent to reach €3 billion.

Ahead of the upcoming Nigerian-German Binational Commission meeting in Berlin, Ambassador Annett Gunther credited the surge to Nigeria’s ongoing economic recovery.

Gunther stated that Nigeria remains “Germany’s second biggest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa with a total trade volume of €3 billion. Trade volumes have increased this year by 30% due to Nigeria’s economic recovery.”

Gunther highlighted that more than 90 German companies are currently operating in Nigeria, indirectly generating around 17,000 jobs across multiple sectors. She noted that further German investments are anticipated, particularly in the energy and pharmaceutical industries.

Regarding energy, the ambassador stated that the Presidential Power Initiative has entered its second phase.

On visas and migration, she revealed that at least 7,600 visas had been issued for students and short-term stays, adding that plans are underway to increase this number.

She also revealed that plans are already underway to raise the number of visas issued.

However, Gunther emphasized the importance of promoting legal migration.

She said, “All the common goals and projects would not work if they were not supported by travel on all levels between our two countries, plus legal migration.

“Last year alone, the German Embassy here in Abuja and the German Consulate General in Lagos granted around 1400 long-term visas for purposes such as study in Germany, family reunion and employment, as well as around 6200 visas for short-term stays such as business and tourism.”

On military cooperation, she affirmed that Germany will continue to support Nigeria.

The German-Nigerian Binational Commission, established in 2011, aims to strengthen collaboration in key areas including business, education, energy, migration, and culture.

In May, Germany unveiled plans to expand technical cooperation with Nigeria to develop a comprehensive green hydrogen supply chain, encompassing production, transportation, storage, and utilization.

“We are actively exploring opportunities to enhance relationships, technology transfer, and joint research initiatives in the hydrogen sector between our countries, recognizing that this collaboration benefits both countries’ economies.

“Germany envisions deepening collaboration with Nigeria on green hydrogen across the entire value chain from production to transportation, storage, and utilization,” Gunther stated.