By Mikeh Odeh, Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the Aso Rock Villa on Wednesday, following Steinmeier’s arrival in Abuja the previous evening. The German leader was accompanied by a delegation of CEOs and senior executives from some of Germany’s most prominent companies in the fields of information technology, high-tech, and energy.
Steinmeier’s visit marks the second by a German leader to Nigeria in just 14 months, following German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s two-day working visit in October 2023, during which he engaged with business leaders in Lagos.
This reciprocal engagement highlights the strengthening ties between Nigeria and Germany, with President Tinubu having attended the G20 ‘Compact with Africa Economic Conference’ in November 2023 at Steinmeier’s invitation.
Upon arrival, Steinmeier was honored with a warm welcome, including the playing of the Nigerian national anthem and an inspection of the Guard of Honour by the Presidential Brigade of Guards. Following a 21-gun salute, President Tinubu and President Steinmeier held closed-door discussions.
According to a statement from the German Embassy, Steinmeier is scheduled to meet with Tinubu and Dr. Alieu Touray, the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). After his meetings in Abuja, he will travel to Lagos, where he will engage with business representatives, visit a start-up hub, and meet with members of Nigeria’s cultural sector and civil society. Notable figures expected to meet with Steinmeier include renowned artist Dr. Nike Okundaye and Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka.
During his time in Lagos, Steinmeier will also tour the city to gain insights into the urban development of this megacity, including its environmental and social challenges.
The relationship between Nigeria and Germany dates back to 1978, when then-Chancellor Helmut Schmidt visited Nigeria. In November 2008, former President Umaru Yar’Adua hosted German President Horst Koehler in Abuja. Additionally, former Chancellor Angela Merkel made history as the first head of state outside Africa to visit Nigeria following Goodluck Jonathan’s election in 2011.
