German President Steinmeier To Visit Nigeria From December 10-12, Strengthening Bilateral Ties

German President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to visit Nigeria from December 10 to 12, 2024, marking the third high-level exchange between Nigeria and Germany since President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration, as announced by the German Embassy in Abuja.

Steinmeier will be accompanied by leaders from some of Germany’s most prominent companies in IT, high-tech, and energy sectors, highlighting Germany’s growing interest in investing in Nigeria.

During his visit, Steinmeier is scheduled to meet with President Tinubu and Dr. Alieu Omar Touray, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission. In Lagos, he will engage with cultural figures, including Dr. Nike Okundaye, known as “Mama Nike” of the Nike Art Gallery, and Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka.

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance economic partnerships, and promote cultural exchanges between the two nations.

A statement from the German Embassy noted: “The visit of President Steinmeier underscores the strong relations between Nigeria and Germany and reflects Germany’s appreciation of Nigeria.”

Following the October 2023 visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the November 2023 trip of President Tinubu to Germany, this visit represents the third exchange between the countries at the head of state level since Tinubu’s inauguration. The frequency of these visits demonstrates the close ties between Nigeria and Germany, both of which are the largest economies and most populous countries on their respective continents.

Steinmeier’s delegation will include top business executives from sectors such as IT, high-tech, and energy, reflecting the growing interest of German companies in Nigeria’s investment opportunities.

The German President will also meet with President Tinubu and Dr. Touray during his visit. In Lagos, he will engage with business leaders, visit a startup hub, and meet with members of Nigeria’s cultural and civil society sectors. Notably, he will visit Dr. Okundaye’s Nike Art Gallery and meet with Prof. Soyinka. Additionally, he will tour Lagos to gain insight into the city’s urban development, including its environmental and social challenges.

The embassy’s statement concluded, “We look forward to continued cooperation and further strengthening our important bilateral relations.”

As the Head of State, President Steinmeier’s role is largely representative, focusing on diplomacy, mediation, and communication rather than day-to-day politics.