German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to strengthen bilateral relations during upcoming Nigeria visit

Chancellor Olaf Scholz of the Federal Republic of Germany is scheduled to visit Nigeria on October 29 and 30, 2023. The visit is aimed at fortifying the diplomatic ties between Germany and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This visit holds significance as it marks the first official visit by a head of government to Nigeria since the inauguration of the new government.

The statement from the German Embassy in Nigeria emphasizes the warm and enduring relationship between Germany and Nigeria, spanning over 60 years. Both nations, as the economic powerhouses and most populous countries on their respective continents, share a natural partnership. The upcoming visit seeks to underscore Germany’s gratitude for the robust partnership over the years and to emphasize the value that the German government places on Nigeria’s role regionally and globally.

During his visit, Chancellor Scholz is expected to hold meetings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, in Abuja. Subsequently, he will travel to Lagos, where he will inaugurate a Nigeria-German Business Conference organized by the Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce. In Lagos, the Chancellor plans to engage with representatives of Nigerian civil society and interact with Nigerian startup entrepreneurs. He will also lead a delegation on a tour of Lagos city to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges posed by a megacity like Lagos.

The embassy further reveals that Chancellor Scholz will be accompanied by a delegation of prominent German business leaders, including CEOs of some of Germany’s most highly valued companies. Additionally, a cultural delegation will be part of the visit, reflecting the broader objectives of enhancing economic and cultural relations and exploring investment prospects in Nigeria. The visit underscores Germany’s commitment to nurturing its relationship with Nigeria across various sectors.