Nigerian Senate Seeks Strong Alliance with Germany on Security and Power.
By Caroline Ameh
In a diplomatic meeting held on Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged the German government to establish a robust alliance with Nigeria, particularly in the fields of security and power. Akpabio, alongside fellow lawmakers, welcomed German Ambassador Annette Gunther, expressing a desire for enhanced cooperation to boost Nigeria’s socio-political development.
Akpabio emphasized the need for German guidance in security matters and power generation. He highlighted the existing robust relationship between the two countries and expressed optimism about further strengthening ties under Ambassador Gunther’s tenure. The Senate President also welcomed German companies to invest in Nigeria, aiming to bolster economic opportunities and employment for the country’s youth.
Addressing security concerns, Akpabio called on Germany to play a more active role in resolving conflicts, citing the Ukraine-Russia situation and the crisis in Gaza. He stressed the importance of international assistance in tackling security challenges, recalling difficulties faced during the Boko Haram insurgency when support from major players like Germany was limited.
Akpabio raised the issue of Germany’s decision to deport 12 thousand illegal Nigerian immigrants, expressing concerns about potential security implications. He urged Germany to allow Nigerian immigration officers to assess and identify genuine Nigerians among the deportees to prevent potential security threats.
In response, Ambassador Gunther reassured the Nigerian officials of Germany’s commitment to assisting Nigeria in overcoming its security and power challenges. She highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two nations, noting Nigeria as Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. Gunther also referenced the Siemens’ energy project as a potential contribution to improving electricity in Nigeria. Addressing security, she acknowledged the worrisome situation and outlined Germany’s involvement in supporting security sector reforms.
The diplomatic exchange emphasized the mutual interest in fostering a strong partnership between Nigeria and Germany for the benefit of their respective populations.
The Nigerian delegation, including Akpabio and fellow lawmakers, warmly welcomed German Ambassador Annette Gunther, expressing a shared commitment to advancing socio-political development.
Akpabio underscored the importance of German expertise in guiding Nigeria on security matters and power generation. Emphasizing the existing strong relationship between the two nations, he voiced optimism about further strengthening ties during Ambassador Gunther’s tenure. The Senate President extended an invitation to German companies to invest in Nigeria, aiming to stimulate economic growth and provide employment opportunities, especially for the country’s youth.
On the security front, Akpabio called for Germany to play an active role in addressing global conflicts, citing the Ukraine-Russia situation and the crisis in Gaza. He highlighted the significance of international collaboration in overcoming security challenges, recalling the challenges faced during the Boko Haram insurgency when support from major partners like Germany was limited.
Addressing a matter of concern, Akpabio raised the issue of Germany’s decision to deport 12 thousand illegal Nigerian immigrants. He expressed apprehensions about potential security implications and urged Germany to allow Nigerian immigration officers to assess and identify genuine Nigerians among the deportees to mitigate potential security threats.
In response, Ambassador Gunther assured Nigerian officials of Germany’s dedication to assisting Nigeria in overcoming security and power challenges. She stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between the two nations, highlighting Nigeria as Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa.
Gunther also referenced the Siemens’ energy project as a potential contribution to improving electricity in Nigeria. Regarding security, she acknowledged the challenging situation and outlined Germany’s engagement in supporting security sector reforms.
