President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has called for deeper economic and parliamentary cooperation between Nigeria and Germany, with emphasis on industrial development, investment, reliable electricity, technology transfer and job creation.
Akpabio made the call while receiving a delegation of the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development of the German Bundestag, led by Professor Wolfgang Stefinger, at the National Assembly in Abuja.
In his address titled “Let Friendship Become Factories,” the Senate President urged both countries to translate more than six decades of diplomatic friendship and mutual trust into practical economic opportunities and sustainable development.
He emphasised that the strength of bilateral relations should be measured not only by diplomatic engagements but also by their contributions to industrial growth, productive employment and improved living standards.
Turning Diplomatic Relations into Economic Opportunities
Akpabio called for greater German investment in Nigeria’s manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceutical, technology and infrastructure sectors.
He stressed the importance of partnerships that strengthen local industries, facilitate technology transfer and connect Nigerian businesses to international markets.
According to the Senate President, Nigeria’s ambition is not merely to expand trade with Germany but to increase joint production and develop the capacity of Nigerian enterprises.
He also identified costly financing, export-credit premiums and regulatory barriers as challenges that must be addressed to encourage stronger investment flows between the two countries.
Akpabio advocated greater opportunities for German small and medium-sized enterprises to collaborate with Nigerian businesses, particularly in productive sectors capable of generating employment.
Accelerating Electricity and Energy Cooperation
Highlighting the importance of reliable electricity to industrial development, Akpabio called for accelerated implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative with Siemens.
He noted that sustainable economic growth requires dependable energy infrastructure capable of supporting factories, small businesses and emerging industries.
The Senate President also encouraged expanded cooperation in renewable energy, natural gas and sustainable infrastructure.
He explained that improved electricity supply would support longer productive hours, reduce business costs and strengthen investor confidence.
Investing in Skills, Technology and the Next Generation
Akpabio identified education, technical training and innovation as important areas for expanding Nigeria–Germany cooperation.
He highlighted Germany’s experience in vocational education, apprenticeships and industry-linked training as a valuable model for developing Nigeria’s skilled workforce.
The Senate President proposed stronger connections between Nigerian educational institutions and German technical colleges, industries and employers.
Priority areas identified included engineering, digital technology, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship.
“The most enduring investment in our partnership will be the skills we place in the hands of the next generation,” he stated.
Strengthening Security and Migration Cooperation
The Senate President also called for deeper bilateral cooperation in security, including training, intelligence sharing, surveillance, counterterrorism, border security and maritime protection.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring that security cooperation respects human rights and contributes to regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
On migration, Akpabio advocated expanded safe and lawful migration pathways, improved recognition of professional qualifications and stronger collaboration against human trafficking.
He further stressed the importance of ensuring that return and reintegration processes respect due process and human dignity.
Proposed Nigeria–Germany Parliamentary Dialogue
Recognising the role of legislatures in sustaining international agreements, Akpabio proposed the establishment of a structured Nigeria–Germany Parliamentary Dialogue.
The proposed framework would encourage regular committee exchanges, institutional cooperation and designated parliamentary contacts to maintain engagement beyond official visits.
He observed that while governments negotiate bilateral partnerships, parliaments contribute to their continuity, accountability and implementation through legislation, oversight and budgetary responsibilities.
The Senate President identified five priorities for strengthening the relationship:
- Establishing sustained parliamentary dialogue between Nigeria and Germany.
- Accelerating electricity and renewable-energy cooperation.
- Expanding skills development, technical education and innovation partnerships.
- Improving access to investment and development finance.
- Designating parliamentary contacts to monitor progress and facilitate follow-up actions.
Building a Partnership That Delivers Results
Akpabio reaffirmed Nigeria’s interest in a bilateral relationship that promotes sustainable enterprises, productive employment and measurable improvements in citizens’ lives.
He emphasised that the next phase of Nigeria–Germany cooperation should focus on practical achievements that strengthen economic resilience and create opportunities for both countries.
The engagement underscored the potential for parliamentary diplomacy to support investment, industrial development and long-term economic cooperation between Nigeria and Germany.
