The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, and the Minister of State, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, joined senior officials of the German government, development institutions, and members of the diplomatic corps to sign the summary record of the Nigeria-German Government Negotiations at the German Embassy in Abuja. This event marks a major milestone in strengthening bilateral development cooperation between the two countries.
Partnership Reaffirmation
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzoka-Anite described the agreement as a reaffirmation of the enduring partnership between Nigeria and Germany. She emphasized that it is grounded in mutual trust, shared priorities, and a common commitment to sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
Strategic Sectors
The negotiations reflected both countries' determination to deepen collaboration across strategic sectors critical to Nigeria's development agenda. These include agricultural transformation and food systems, climate and energy transition, sustainable economic development, skills acquisition and employment, health systems strengthening, and peaceful and inclusive societies.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite expressed appreciation to the German government for its renewed commitment to financial and technical cooperation amounting to €65 million. Additionally, she acknowledged the extra €300 million Export Credit guarantee financing framework designed to support investment mobilisation and long-term financing for strategic development projects in Nigeria.
Critical Juncture in Reforms
She noted that the partnership comes at a critical juncture in Nigeria's reform journey under President Bola Tinubu. The ongoing reforms are foundational to unlocking long-term economic growth and prosperity. She reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to ensuring that all programmes within the partnership remain nationally owned and aligned with the National Development Plan 2026–2030 and the broader Agenda 2050.
German Perspectives
In her opening remark, German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, described the signing ceremony as the culmination of extensive bilateral engagements to review achievements, refine priorities, and chart a stronger path for future cooperation. She highlighted the broad participation of stakeholders from both countries, noting that the breadth of participation reflected the depth and strategic importance of Nigeria-Germany relations across multiple sectors and institutions.
Deputy Director General of Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Philip Knill, reaffirmed Germany's commitment to a long-term, reliable, and transformative partnership with Nigeria. He described the country as “a giant in Africa” and a critical partner in regional economic integration, peace, and security.
