The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic ties with Germany, focusing on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), job creation, and skilled migration through vocational training.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, during a meeting in Abuja with a delegation from the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Germany.
Strategic Partnership for Economic Growth
The German delegation's visit aims to enhance investment opportunities, business development, and workforce migration, aligning with Nigeria's strategic priorities in youth empowerment, vocational training, and managed skills migration.
Dr. Oduwole emphasized Nigeria's readiness to become a key player in international trade, leveraging its growing, youthful, and skilled workforce to meet Germany's increasing labour demands.
"One of our priority programmes, the National Talent Export Programme, is being repositioned to scale up Nigerian youth in services, vocational training, and managed skills migration," she stated.
She also expressed strong support for the upcoming World Meets in Giessen Conference, highlighting Nigeria's openness to global opportunities.
Germany's Commitment to Investment and Skilled Migration
Leading the German delegation, Matthias Leder, President of the Giessen Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the mutual benefits of continued cooperation, particularly in:
Investment opportunities
Vocational training and skilled labour migration
Leder extended an invitation for Nigeria to participate in the World Meets in Giessen Conference, scheduled for May 20-21, 2025, in Germany.
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"We offer a B2B conference where companies from around the world can network and pitch. To support these companies, we also invite honourable ministers, ambassadors, and consul generals, as they serve as key facilitators for market entry," Leder said.
Vocational Training Success in Nigeria
Leder highlighted the success of Germany's dual vocational training system, which has already been implemented in Abuja, Abeokuta, and Lagos, significantly reducing youth unemployment.
"We have already implemented this in Nigeria, and it was successful. More than 95% of the apprentices in these locations received job offers," he said. "We are convinced this is a key factor for Nigeria's development and economic growth."
Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Investment
Nigeria's collaboration with Germany is expected to drive:
Increased investment inflows
Job creation and workforce development
Structured migration pathways for skilled Nigerian professionals
In his remarks, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Managing Partner at Bruit Costaud, expressed appreciation for the strengthening economic and trade relations between the two nations.
"We deeply appreciate your time and engagement, and we believe this collaboration will yield meaningful outcomes that will further strengthen Nigeria-Germany economic ties," he stated.
With this renewed economic partnership, Nigeria is positioning itself as a global talent hub, ensuring that its youthful workforce plays a pivotal role in international markets while attracting foreign businesses and investment into the country.
