Germany and Nigeria have agreed to deepen their co-operation in cement, mining, steel, and building materials technology. This development follows a conference in Abuja that brought together German original equipment manufacturers, Nigerian industrialists, government officials, and financial institutions. The conference was organized by the European Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association.
The German-Nigeria Cement, Building Materials and Mining Technology Conference was the culmination of a German original equipment manufacturers delegation mission across Lagos and Abuja. Dr. Chux Onaa, the convener and head of the German delegates, stated that Germany's engineering capabilities could complement Nigeria's industrial ambitions. He emphasized that sustainable commercial relationships require trust and a shared vision between partners.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, delivered the keynote address and reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to private-sector-led industrial growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He highlighted a recent €364 million export credit guarantee agreement with Germany as part of the financial framework supporting industrial ventures between both countries.
Ambassador Johannes Lehne, the Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, stated that Germany is committed to building long-term economic partnerships with Nigeria. He noted that Germany's portfolio in Nigeria had exceeded €600 million, covering sectors including agriculture, enterprise development, and power. Bilateral trade had increased from about $2.5 billion to more than $3.5 billion.
The German delegation also visited the Federal Ministry of Steel Development, where Minister Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu received the participating original equipment manufacturers. Discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation in steel production, mineral processing, technology transfer, and equipment manufacturing. Audu called for partnerships that would leverage German technological expertise to strengthen Nigeria's industrial capacity.
The Abuja conference featured presentations by German technology companies and a panel session on export and trade finance. The event provided a platform for business-to-business engagements between Nigerian industrialists and German original equipment manufacturers. This conference aimed to foster sustained technology-driven industrial cooperation as Nigeria pursues its ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
The strengthened partnership between Germany and Nigeria in cement, mining, and steel technology is expected to drive industrial growth and development in Nigeria. The collaboration will focus on investment, technology transfer, and equipment manufacturing, with the goal of building a strong and sustainable industrial sector in Nigeria.
Key points
- Germany and Nigeria have agreed to deepen their co-operation in cement, mining, steel, and building materials technology.
- The partnership aims to drive industrial growth and development in Nigeria, with a focus on investment, technology transfer, and equipment manufacturing.
- Germany's portfolio in Nigeria has exceeded €600 million, covering sectors including agriculture, enterprise development, and power.
