Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in security, power transmission and railway development, following a high-level telephone conversation.
The leaders also signalled deeper collaboration in creative arts and skills development, broadening the scope of engagement beyond traditional trade and infrastructure.
During the call, which began at 2:01 pm and ended around 2:10 pm, President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s priorities under the Presidential Power Initiative, noting that the country would require technical and financial support to upgrade its transmission network.
The German Chancellor pledged that Siemens would be ready to assist in the power transmission segment, while Deutsche Bank would be willing to provide financing for the project.
Both leaders expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region.
“The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support reconnaissance is needed,” President Tinubu said, calling for the supply of used helicopters to strengthen intelligence and reconnaissance operations.
The conversation underscored Nigeria’s push for enhanced international cooperation in addressing cross-border security threats affecting West Africa.
Chancellor Merz also emphasised cultural collaboration, calling for the establishment of the Great Museum of African Arts as part of broader cultural exchange initiatives.
He noted that Germany is “eagerly awaiting the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador” to Berlin, signalling expectations of deeper diplomatic engagement.
Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Germany have spanned approximately 65 years, with both countries maintaining strong economic and development partnerships.
