Tinubu and Merz discuss power transmission support, Sahel security cooperation, railway partnership, and creative arts collaboration during telephone talks marking 65 years of relations.
President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have pledged to deepen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Germany, with renewed cooperation in security, power, railway development, creative arts and skills training.
The commitment was reached during a 10-minute telephone conversation on Wednesday afternoon, from 2:01 p.m. to 2:10 p.m., according to a statement issued by the president’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
During the discussion, the two leaders reviewed progress under Nigeria’s Presidential Power Initiative and explored further collaboration to strengthen the country’s electricity infrastructure.
President Tinubu indicated that Nigeria would require additional support in power transmission to stabilize and expand electricity supply nationwide. In response, Chancellor Merz pledged that Siemens would be ready to provide technical assistance, while Deutsche Bank would be willing to finance aspects of the project.
Both leaders also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region. Tinubu called for enhanced cooperation, including intelligence support and reconnaissance capabilities, and specifically requested the supply of used helicopters to assist regional security operations.
“The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support reconnaissance is needed,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
Beyond security and infrastructure, the leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in railway development, creative arts, and skills training as part of broader efforts to expand economic and cultural ties.
Chancellor Merz noted that Germany is looking forward to the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador to Berlin, as diplomatic relations between both countries approach 65 years.
He also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and proposed the establishment of a Great Museum of African Arts as a platform to promote African heritage and foster deeper artistic collaboration.
The conversation underscored both countries’ commitment to expanding strategic engagement across multiple sectors of mutual interest.