Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for a strategic evolution in Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic relationship with Germany, urging both nations to transition from mere diplomatic goodwill to tangible economic and industrial partnerships.
Senator Akpabio made the call on Friday during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the German Bundestag’s Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development, led by its Chairman, Professor Wolfgang Stefinger, at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Reflecting on more than six decades of friendship, cooperation and mutual trust between the two countries, the Senate President noted that the current focus must be translating this historical foundation into shared prosperity, robust institutions and expanded economic opportunities for citizens of both nations.
In his address, titled “Let Friendship Become Factories,” Senator Akpabio emphasized the urgent need to drive practical outcomes that spur industrialization, boost foreign direct investment and generate sustainable employment across Nigeria.
“Our ambition is not merely to trade more with Germany, but to produce more together, transfer technology, develop local capacity and connect Nigerian businesses to wider international markets,” Senator Akpabio stated. He highlighted key sectors prime for German investment, including manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, technology and core infrastructure.
Identifying reliable electricity as the essential foundation for industrial development, Senator Akpabio underscored energy as a central pillar of future bilateral engagement. He called for the acceleration of the Presidential Power Initiative in partnership with Siemens, alongside expanded collaboration in renewable energy, natural gas and sustainable infrastructure.
Beyond trade and industrial production, the Senate President highlighted human capital development as a critical area for synergy. Citing Germany’s dual-education system and vocational model, he advocated for stronger ties in technical education, engineering, digital technology, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship to empower Nigeria’s growing youth population.
Addressing broader regional security, Senator Akpabio called for enhanced intelligence sharing, counterterrorism support, border security and maritime protection. He also proposed expanding legal migration pathways, standardizing qualification recognition between both nations and deepening joint actions against human trafficking.
Reaffirming the commitment of the 10th National Assembly, the Senate President assured the visiting German lawmakers that the Nigerian Parliament remains dedicated to providing the necessary legislative frameworks, oversight and policy support to ensure all bilateral agreements yield measurable, long-term results.
