German President Steinmeier To Visit Nigeria Dec 10

President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to visit Nigeria from December 10 to 12, 2024, to bolster ties between the two nations.

The German Embassy in Nigeria announced the visit on Thursday, which underscores the strengthening of the relationship between Germany and Nigeria.

This high-profile visit follows an earlier visit to Nigeria of the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in October 2023 and that of President Bola Tinubu to Germany in November 2023.

President Steinmeier will be accompanied to Nigeria by a delegation of CEOs and senior executives from some of Germany’s leading companies in IT, high-tech, and energy sectors.

The Embassy said their presence signals increasing interest in Nigeria as a destination for investment, especially in these key industries.

During his stay in Nigeria, President Steinmeier will hold talks with President Tinubu and the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr. Alieu Omar Touray.

His itinerary also includes a trip to Lagos where he will engage with business leaders, explore the local start-up ecosystem and connect with Nigeria’s cultural and civil society leaders.

The German President is also scheduled to meet with Dr. Nike Okundaye, a prominent figure in Nigerian art, as well as Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.

His visit to Lagos will include a tour of the city, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities of urban development in one of Africa’s largest megacities.

“This visit reaffirms Germany’s recognition of Nigeria as a key strategic partner,” a statement from the German Embassy read, highlighting the shared role of both nations as economic powerhouses on their respective continents.

Steinmeier’s largely ceremonial role as Germany’s Head of State places him as a bridge-builder and representative of German interests abroad.

The visit is expected to further deepen cooperation across economic, cultural, and diplomatic spheres.