NGICE Strengthens Partnership Between Nigeria, Germany

To solidify the growing relationship between Nigeria and Germany, the Nigerian-German Investment and Cultural Expo (NGICE) organising committee recently visited the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther.

The visit, led by the Director-General of NGICE, Ambassador Chielo Ojirika, was part of ongoing efforts to ensure the success of the upcoming expo, which will be held from November 26 to 30, 2024, in Berlin, Germany.

The expo, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Investment Potentials for Industrial Revolution” with the sub-theme “Cultural Export: Key Opportunities for Foreign Direct Investment,” aims to showcase Nigeria’s vast investment opportunities to German investors.

It is set to highlight critical sectors such as power, renewable energy, mining, oil and gas, agriculture, ICT, transportation, housing development, and the creative industries.

This visit follows German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s historic trip to Nigeria on October 29-30, 2023. It was the first visit by a non-African head of government to the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The Chancellor’s visit emphasised potential cooperation on energy as Germany looks to diversify its natural gas sources, focusing on Nigeria, the largest gas supplier in Africa. The Chancellor also expressed interest in cooperation between infrastructure, agriculture, and mineral resources.

Ambassador Günther welcomed the NGICE delegation and assured them of the embassy’s full support in making the expo successful.

She emphasised that the event would further enhance bilateral relations and economic cooperation between the two nations.

The NGICE organising committee, which operates under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, is chaired by Sir Dr Mike Okiro, former Inspector-General of Police, and Honourable Kaulaha Aliyu, a first Republic Parliamentarian and investment expert.

Key Nigerian government bodies, including the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, support the event.

The expo is expected to attract the participation of high-ranking government officials, including state governors, ministers, and agency chief executives, alongside key stakeholders from the organized private sector.

Ambassador Ojirika, also known as Chiboy The Black Courage, expressed optimism that the expo would not only bolster Nigeria’s foreign direct investment but also serve as a platform for cultural exchange, fostering greater understanding and cooperation between Nigeria and Germany.

The NGICE expo promises to be a significant event, reinforcing President Tinubu’s vision of diversifying and rebuilding Nigeria’s economy while strengthening cultural and economic ties.