Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Nigeria has highlighted the growing pool of skilled young professionals in the country as an opportunity to deepen economic cooperation with Germany, particularly in the areas of technology, engineering, medicine, vocational training and skilled migration.
The Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, made the call in Berlin while addressing a gathering to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2026.
Enang said Germany’s industrial strength, skilled workforce and existing skills gap presented opportunities for qualified Nigerians to contribute to the country’s economy through appropriate migration and employment channels.
He said Nigeria had a large pool of young, skilled and talented citizens whose expertise could complement Germany’s workforce requirements.
According to him, “This presents opportunities for young, skilled and well-endowed citizens of the world to seek opportunities in the country. For Nigeria, this is preparation meeting opportunities.”
The ambassador said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had been repositioning the country’s education system to produce highly skilled professionals in medicine, engineering, technology, academia and the creative industries.
He said the government was creating specialised institutions and redirecting existing ones towards professionalism, entrepreneurship and skills development.
“These highly engaged citizens are active in the Nigerian labour economy and available for the German economy. And we are engaging,” Enang said.
The ambassador also called for deeper Nigeria-Germany cooperation in green energy, technological innovation, infrastructure, education, the creative industry, skilled circular migration and vocational training.
He described Germany as a trusted development partner and said both countries had built a longstanding relationship based on mutual respect, shared values, democratic principles and common economic interests.
“Over the decades, Nigeria and Germany have nurtured a partnership founded on shared values, mutual respect, democratic principles, and common economic goals,” he said.
According to him, bilateral relations have expanded across trade and investment, energy transition, educational exchanges and sustainable development, adding that Nigeria remained committed to further strengthening the partnership.
Enang said Nigeria valued Germany not only as an important partner within the European Union but also as a strategic partner in its national development agenda.
He stressed the need for the two countries to build stronger economic resilience through expanded cooperation in emerging sectors.
The ambassador also used the occasion to acknowledge the contributions of Nigerians living in Germany and across Europe, describing them as “proud ambassadors” of the country.
He urged Nigerians in the diaspora to remain united, law-abiding and committed to contributing positively to both Nigeria and their host communities.
Enang further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism, African unity, regional security and socioeconomic integration.
He said Nigeria’s engagement with international institutions, including the United Nations, African Union, World Trade Organisation and the African Continental Free Trade Area, reflected its commitment to global and continental cooperation.
The envoy also commended the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Germany, expressing optimism that stronger bilateral collaboration would create greater opportunities for both countries.
He quoted President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address as urging Nigerians to remain focused on the country’s future and not lose faith in its development prospects.
Enang said the President’s message underscored the need for Nigerians to move forward with confidence and collective determination.
He concluded his address by proposing a toast to the enduring friendship between Nigeria and Germany, African unity and the continued growth and development of Nigeria.
“Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! Long live the Federal Republic of Germany! Long live African Unity!” he declared.