By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has reaffirmed Nigerian government’s bilateral relationship with the Republic of Germany.
The Minister disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Ms. Svenja Schulze in Abuja on Tuesday.
Bagudu said he was delighted to host the German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, as the meeting was focused on discussions regarding German cooperation with Nigeria and the exploration of priorities for future bilateral collaboration.
He further stated that the engagement was part of the ongoing Development Cooperation Partnership between Nigeria and Germany, which has a rich history dating back to 1974 when the Technical Cooperation Agreement was initially signed.
The German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation is responsible for coordinating Germany’s development cooperation and currently oversees the collaboration with Nigeria.
Bagudu listed some key areas of collaboration to include, Sustainable Economic Development, Training and Employment, Transformation of Agri-Food Systems, Climate, and Energy, Health, Social Protection, Population Policy, as well as Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention.
He said both nations will review and exchange views on future bilateral cooperation during their annual consultation, adding that he looked forward to productive discussions that will further strengthen the ties between Nigeria and Germany.
Earlier in her remarks, Ms. Svenja Schulze said that they are committed to supporting Nigeria’s economic growth, and allocate funds annually through the Development Cooperation Partnership. READ ALSO:
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According to a statement by Mrs Shade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations, also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mr. Nebeolisa Anako applauded the German government for its continuous support to the economic growth of the nation even as he assured that Nigeria will be a better place to invest in because “Nigerian youths are not lazy but very ready to work at any given time”.
The Director of International Cooperation in the Ministry, Dr. Samson Ebimaro emphasized more on the catalytic role of the private sector in Nigeria’s economic turnaround, noting that the partnership aims to enhance various sectors for sustainable development.
He said a significant aspect of the discussion would be the ongoing review of the 1974 Technical Cooperation Agreement governing bilateral relations between both Countries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also actively involved in this comprehensive review process.
