Economy, security top Merkel’s visit to Nigeria – Envoy

Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Tugga, has said the visit of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel would focus on security issue and strengthening economic ties between both countries. President Muhammadu Buhari will on Friday host the German leader, two days after the visit of the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, to Nigeria. Ambassador Tugga, while […]

Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Tugga, has said the visit of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel would focus on security issue and strengthening economic ties between both countries.

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Friday host the German leader, two days after the visit of the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, to Nigeria.

Ambassador Tugga, while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, said chancellor Merkel would be coming with business delegation to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria.

“She is coming with business delegation which is very important. We have strong economic relation with Germany over the years,” he said.

But one of the major challenges in recent times has been how to attract German medium size businesses to invest in Nigeria, the envoy noted.

“The backbone of German economy is essentially made up of medium size, family-owned businesses. There are quite concern about how to de-risk their investments. This sort of step requires cooperation and support by both governments to facilitate the investment and minimise risk.

“This of course fit into Nigerian Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and the presidential enabling business council.

“On the German side, they know the importance of this medium size companies and they try to support them and see that they take an increasing role in a globalized world.”

Ambassador Tugga further disclosed that security issue, particularly in the north east would also feature in the discussion between the two leaders.

“We need support to address security issues particularly in the north eastern part of Nigeria.

“As people are returning to their villages and towns and begin to normalize their means of livelihood, which is mostly farming and trading, there is a need for global support to rebuild communities.”

He said the Oslo II conference which aims to raise fund to address the humanitarian crisis in the north east would take place in Germany in September.

Germany, he said, had been a very significant Nigeria’s partner and “there is still a lot we can do with Germany.”

“They are leaders in terms of vocational training.  They have got a dual education system where you have the academic as well as the practical training side by side. And this is what we need at this juncture in our journey as a country,” the envoy added.