The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, has said that trade between Nigeria and Germany has grown to €3 billion, making Nigeria Germany’s second-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Speaking during a press briefing at the German Embassy in Abuja on Thursday, Ambassador Günther said the volume of trade between both countries grew by 30 percent in 2025, reflecting Nigeria’s steady economic recovery and renewed investor confidence.
Günther described the growing commercial ties as a sign of deepening cooperation, especially in energy, infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals, where German firms are expanding their footprint.
The Ambassador highlighted two major flagship projects that symbolize the strength of German-Nigerian economic collaboration.
She said, “Nigeria is Germany’s second biggest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa with a total trade volume of 3 billion euros.
Trade volumes have increased this year by 30 percent due to Nigeria’s economic recovery.
“There are more than 90 German companies active in Nigeria, indirectly creating about 17,000 jobs. More investment is coming, especially in the energy and pharmaceutical sectors.
“Firstly, the Presidential Power Initiative, in cooperation with Siemens, is now entering its second phase. This will add about 7 gigawatts to Nigeria’s energy grid.”
She also cited ongoing cooperation in the gas sector, where both nations are working to reduce emissions.
She expressed optimism that both economies would benefit mutually from the renewed vigor in trade and policy alignment.
The envoy revealed that the Nigerian-German Binational Commission would convene in Berlin in less than two weeks, co-chaired by both countries’ foreign ministers.
The meeting, she said, will cover issues ranging from international politics and security to trade, energy, migration, and education.
She said, “Secondly, our cooperation in the gas sector aims to eliminate gas flaring and improve Nigeria’s CO₂ footprint,” Günther added.
Günther noted that after two years of economic downturn, Germany was “shifting into growth mode again.
“Large investments in digitization, infrastructure, education and renewable energy will give a boost to our economy, the economy of Europe and beyond.
“We need this in-depth governmental exchange to achieve progress and lift our relations to another level,” Günther stated.
She added that the renewed engagement comes as both countries celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations, which began in 1960 when Germany recognized Nigeria’s independence.”
Günther drew parallels between the two countries, describing them as federal republics that share democratic ideals.
She reaffirmed Germany’s foreign policy priorities of security, freedom, and prosperity, adding that Berlin seeks partnerships with countries that share those values.
Günther said the country continues to support military capacity building, police reform, and humanitarian interventions across Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected regions of the North-East and North-West.
She said, “Germany has stood side by side with Nigeria in building military capacity — from officer training to technical skills like automotive mechanics.
“In the North-East, we are supporting the reconstruction of schools, health centres, markets and police stations. The rebuilt village of Ngarannam in Borno State is one such example,” she noted.
Ambassador Günther stressed that the future of German-African relations would no longer be defined by donor-recipient dynamics, but by mutual respect and shared goals.
