Minister Backs Nigerian-German Cultural, Investment Ties

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has assured stakeholders of his ministry’s readiness to facilitate visa processes and extend diplomatic backing for upcoming Nigerian-German cultural and investment events, reaffirming the deep historic and economic ties between both nations.

Speaking during an engagement with the Association of Nigerians, Nigerian-German Investment Cultural Services, and other community leaders, Tuggar praised the initiative, describing it as “one that is welcome” and reflective of “a renaissance of Nigerian culture” on the global stage.

“Germany and Nigeria have a very long relationship about productivity. Both countries maintain very cordial and close relations,” Tuggar said, recalling his six-year tenure as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany.

“Anything to do with Germany, I feel a natural inclination to be associated with it.”

While clarifying that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism or the Ministry of Trade and Investment would lead on sector-specific matters, Tuggar pledged his ministry’s full support. “In terms of facilitating visas, it shouldn’t be a problem for us to support with that,” he assured, urging organisers to also engage the German Embassy in Nigeria.

The minister also highlighted Germany’s cultural openness, referencing past collaborations, including the 2019 Nigeria Cultural Day in Berlin and the restitution of Benin bronzes. “When it comes to the issue of culture, Germany always has a listening voice,” he noted.

Tuggar emphasised the potential in Nigeria’s cultural industries, music, fashion, cuisine, and agricultural superfoods such as moringa and baobab as powerful tools for investment and international collaboration. “There’s so much to take advantage of,” he said, “and we thank you for coming and wish you the very best.”

Also speaking, the director general of the Salute Nigeria Initiative, Ambassador Chielo Ojirika, emphasized the expo’s significance in positioning Nigeria as a prime destination for global investors, revealing that the Nigerian-German Investment and Cultural Expo (NGICE25), scheduled for October 2025 in Berlin, is poised to be a pivotal event aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.

“The Expo is designed to showcase the numerous investment and cultural potentials in Nigeria to attract Foreign Direct Investment and Business Partnership from the Federal Republic of Germany and the rest of the world. In fact, NGICE aims to bring the world to Berlin for Nigeria as Investors Paradise,” Ojirika stated.

He further revealed that the expo will feature diverse activities, including paper presentations, exhibitions, panel discussions, and various roundtable sessions focusing on investment, banking, and public-private partnerships.

Additionally, attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, cultural displays, and visits to strategic companies and organisations.

“The Expo is designed to showcase the numerous investment and cultural potentials in Nigeria to attract Foreign Direct Investment and Business Partnership from the Federal Republic of Germany and the rest of the world. In fact, NGICE aims to bring the world to Berlin for Nigeria as investors paradise”, Ojrika stated

“NGICE 2025 will Feature Paper Presentations, Showcasing of Investment Opportunities, Panel Discussions, Exhibitions, Networking And Match-Making, Investors Roundtable, Bankers/Financer’s Roundtable, Ceo’s Roundtable, Public Private Partnership (PPP) Roundtable, visits to strategic companies and organisations as well as Cultural Display and Exchange,” Ojirika elaborated.