Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz has explained his visit to Nigeria and meeting with President Bola AHmed Tinubu, saying it was to support Nigeria’s military and Police in their efforts to eliminate the “threat from terrorist groups in the Sahel.”
Scholz also said it was to strengthen democracy in the West African region and to show joint commitment with Nigeria on its energy needs.
According to a post in his X verified account, formerly Twitter, the German Chancellor said: “The threat from terrorist groups in the Sahel is growing. We are supporting the Nigerian police and military in their effort to stabilize the area. Together, President Tinubu @officialABAT and I want to strengthen democracy in the region. Thank you for the warm welcome!
“We are also committed to joint initiatives with Nigeria when it comes to hydrogen. Together we are driving forward future production and use, because hydrogen is the energy source of the future, we will need a lot – for our economy and the energy transition.”
At the meeting, President Tinubu said far-reaching economic reforms were being undertaken by the Federal Government to provide the enabling environment for a return on investment.
Promising to remove obstacles to fast-track investment and development, the President also alluded to the slow pace of economic growth, promising that his Administration is determined to change the narrative.
During the bilateral political discussion, President Tinubu called for improved cooperation in security, natural resources, education, and democracy, among others, with the government of Germany.
The President said: “Our economic team and members of the group are all here ready to partner with you, with Germany as the largest economy in Europe.
“The largest economy in Africa is Nigeria, you know that. We are blessed with a good environment, weather and mineral resources.
“Our hydrocarbon industry is still fledging environmentally while we are moving towards the transition of energy source.
“I know Germany has advanced a lot in protecting the environment and modernising energy to meet the 21st century needs, both of the world and Europe in particular.
“Nigeria is still crawling, but we are determined to change the narrative and bring about a transformative government.
“You are very welcome with your delegation to partner with us in terms of education, power, mineral resources and all the other opportunities. We have a long way to bring about the security of our people.”
He alluded to the readiness of his administration to take the development of the nation to the next level, especially as the issues that could have been distracting his focus had been resolved by the Supreme Court verdict which affirmed his victory.
“It is a profound pleasure for me to welcome my friend Olaf Scholz to Nigeria. It is a joy to see you here at this particular period of time.
“It is just about a few days ago that the Supreme Court had a final say on our electoral exercise.
“The distraction is over. This gives us more time to focus on governance for the people and moving Nigeria forward for economic opportunities and prosperity that will defend democracy.
“In our last tete-a-tete, you made a promise that you will be visiting Nigeria. Thank you and your delegation for keeping that promise. It is an honour for me to see you here.
“Nigeria has gone through a lot of reforms, yet we cannot be 100 per cent sure everything goes smoothly.
“Some of you might not be here while we were discussing the rule of law, I know…for businesses, particularly investors, because I’ve been in that environment before, I am from that constituency.”
