German President Steinmeier to Visit Nigeria from December 10-12
German President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier will visit Nigeria from December 10 to 12, 2024, in a bid to strengthen the ties between the two nations, the German Embassy in Nigeria announced on Thursday.
This visit comes after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s trip to Nigeria in October 2023, followed by President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Germany in November 2023, signaling an ongoing effort to deepen bilateral relations.
Accompanying President Steinmeier will be a delegation of CEOs and senior executives from top German companies in the IT, high-tech, and energy sectors, reflecting Germany’s increasing interest in Nigeria as a prime investment destination.
During his stay, President Steinmeier will meet with President Tinubu and the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr. Alieu Omar Touray. His visit will also take him to Lagos, where he will engage with local business leaders, explore the city’s growing start-up ecosystem, and connect with cultural and civil society figures.
In Lagos, Steinmeier is set to meet renowned Nigerian artist Dr. Nike Okundaye and Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka. He will also take part in a tour of the city to explore its urban challenges and opportunities, particularly in one of Africa’s largest megacities.
The German Embassy emphasized that this visit highlights Germany’s recognition of Nigeria as a strategic partner, underscoring both countries’ importance as economic powerhouses on their respective continents. As Germany’s largely ceremonial Head of State, Steinmeier’s role in this visit will focus on enhancing cooperation in economic, cultural, and diplomatic domains.
