President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz have reiterated the commitment of both countries to the advancement of democratic rule in Africa.
The two leaders made the commitment when Tinubu played host to Scholz at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Sunday.
The chancellor, who is on a two-day visit to Nigeria, is said to have been accompanied by a delegation of high-ranking German business people including Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of some of the highest-valued companies in the country as well as by a cultural delegation.
“It is a profound pleasure for me to welcome my friend Olaf Scholz to Nigeria. It is a joy to see you here. At this particular period of time. It is just about a few days ago that the Supreme Court of Federal Republic of Nigeria had a final say on our electoral exercise.
“The distraction is over. This gives us more time to focus on governance for the people and moving Nigeria forward for economic opportunities and prosperity that will defend democracy.
“In our last tete-a-tete, you made a promise that you will be visiting Nigeria and thank you and your delegation for keeping that promise. It is an honor for me to see you here”.
He said the business community in Nigeria is not averse to forging a partnership with Germany being one of the largest economies in Europe.
He reminded Scholz that Nigeria was also the largest economy in Africa which is equally blessed with a good environment, time of weather and mineral resources.
“Our hydrocarbon industry is still fledging environmentally while we are moving towards the transition energy source.
“You are very welcome with your delegation to partner with us in terms of education, power, mineral resources and all the other opportunities. We have gone a long way to bring about the security of our people.
“We’re fighting terrorism and that is improving. We still need much support in that area. And for us to be able to sustain democracy, rule of law and freedom for our people, we need to fight for democracy. Democracy must win at all times for us to meet the expectations of an African dream. That is why your visit this time around is more than necessary and welcome. I hope you will enjoy yourself.
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“You will have noticed; I don’t need to go about the various problems happening in the Sahel region of Africa. You’ve seen and noticed the coup in Guinea and recently in the Niger Republic.
“We had people diplomatically managing the situation. The need for you to help in that of security will be empahsised and we will continue to require your knowledge. We thank you for the past contributions, particularly police, law enforcement training. We need more help.”
The German Chancellor, Scholz on his part said Germany remains committed to democracy and the rule of law.
“The threat from terrorist groups in the Sahel is growing. We are supporting the Nigerian police and military in their effort to stabilize the area. Together, President Tinubu @officialABAT and I want to strengthen democracy in the region,” Scholz wrote on his X account.
“We are also committed to joint initiatives with Nigeria when it comes to hydrogen. Together we are driving forward future production and use because hydrogen is the energy source of the future, and we will need a lot – for our economy and the energy transition. We are also committed to joint initiatives with Nigeria when it comes to hydrogen. Together we are driving forward future production and use because hydrogen is the energy source of the future, and we will need a lot – for our economy and the energy transition.”
