On Thursday, October 29, 2026, in Abuja, Akpabio received a delegation from the German Bundestag's Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development, led by Professor Wolfgang Stefinger. He emphasized the need to transform the long-standing friendship between Nigeria and Germany into tangible economic benefits. Akpabio noted that the two countries have enjoyed over six decades of friendship and mutual trust, but it's time to turn this friendship into concrete investments and jobs.
Akpabio proposed a structured Nigeria-Germany Parliamentary Dialogue to sustain engagement beyond the visit. He suggested that the dialogue be supported by committee exchanges and designated contacts. The Senate President emphasized the importance of parliamentary cooperation in giving partnerships continuity, accountability, and lasting value. He also highlighted the need for stronger partnerships in areas such as electricity, skills development, and job creation.
Akpabio outlined Nigeria's economic ambitions, including expanding production, strengthening industry, and creating productive employment opportunities. He welcomed greater German investment in key sectors such as manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, technology, and infrastructure. Akpabio emphasized that Nigeria seeks not only to trade more with Germany but to produce more with Germany. He identified obstacles to investment, including costly financing, export-credit premiums, and regulatory barriers.
The Senate President highlighted the importance of energy in Nigeria's economic ambitions. He noted that reliable electricity is crucial for industrialization and that every factory needs power. Akpabio expressed appreciation for the Presidential Power Initiative with Siemens and sought accelerated delivery of its objectives. He also emphasized the potential of Nigeria's young people and suggested cooperation in technical education, apprenticeships, and industry-linked training.
Akpabio and Stefinger discussed migration, security, and development cooperation. Akpabio appreciated Germany's security cooperation and sought stronger collaboration in areas such as training, intelligence, surveillance, and counter-terrorism. He emphasized that a secure Nigeria strengthens stability across West Africa and the Sahel. Akpabio also highlighted the importance of creating sustainable enterprises, productive jobs, and measurable improvements in people's lives.
The Senate President suggested five practical priorities for the visit, including sustained parliamentary dialogue, accelerated electricity and renewable-energy cooperation, and a skills and innovation partnership. He also proposed improved access to investment and development finance, as well as designated parliamentary contacts to follow through on agreed actions. Akpabio emphasized that these priorities would help to translate the friendship between Nigeria and Germany into practical benefits.
Akpabio concluded by emphasizing the importance of peace and security in realizing the opportunities for cooperation between Nigeria and Germany. He noted that the most enduring investment in the partnership would be the skills placed in the hands of the next generation. The Senate President's call for stronger partnership between Nigeria and Germany reflects the two countries' shared commitment to deepening their economic ties and promoting mutual prosperity.
Key points
- Akpabio calls for stronger partnership between Nigeria and Germany to translate their long-standing friendship into tangible economic benefits.
- The Senate President proposes a structured Nigeria-Germany Parliamentary Dialogue to sustain engagement beyond the visit.
- Akpabio identifies key areas for cooperation, including electricity, skills development, job creation, and investment in sectors such as manufacturing and infrastructure.
