….I want Germany and Nigeria to build a more reliable partnership
German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, will be in Nigeria today on an official visit and will hold meetings with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). For Germany, Nigeria is no longer just Africa’s demographic giant or largest market. It is an indispensable partner for regional stability in the Sahel and Lake Chad, for clean energy, for critical supply chains, and for a rules-based multilateral order under strain. For Nigeria, Germany offers engineering, investment and a new promise: faster visas, joint manufacturing, and a partnership of equals. From economic powerhouses to cultural giants, Germany and Nigeria share a dynamic connection that reaches far beyond engineering and football. In this exclusive interview with Michael Olugbode, Wadephul addresses everything from trade, security, and visa reforms to renewable energy and local value chains, laying out a vision for a modern, equal partnership. He speaks candidly on unlocking opportunities for Nigeria’s vibrant youth and boosting German investment. From migration and climate to business, technology and regional stability, his message is clear: Germany sees Nigeria not just as a friend, but as a crucial ally for the future
Minister Wadephul, this is your first time in Nigeria as a foreign minister, although you have already had plenty of exchange with Nigerian diplomacy, like last year’s Binational Commission in Berlin. What is special about this relationship and what do you want to get out of this trip for Germany?
First of all, I’m delighted to finally be here. Nigeria has long been a very important partner for Germany—not only because of its size and economic and political weight, but because of the energy and creativity of its people. However, this visit is about listening as much as talking. We live in a world where no country can solve today’s challenges alone, whether it is security, climate, economic transformation or migration. Germany wants to build and deepen existing partnerships based on mutual respect, shared interests, and common values. My hope is that my visit contributes to making our strong bonds even stronger for exactly that: A reliable partnership of longstanding friends.
When people in Nigeria hear ‘Germany’, they often think of engineering, football or cold weather. What would you like Nigerians to associate with Germany ten years from now?
I think we will happily keep football and engineering! Let’s not talk about the recent World Cup, though. And yes—although the weather is beyond my control and because I am from northern Germany, which may sometimes be rainier than the rest of my country—the cooler weather also has advantages and its own charm. But if I could add something, it would be partnership. I would like young Nigerians to think of Germany as a country that believes in talent, innovation and opportunity. A place to study, to do business, to develop new technologies together, and to tackle global challenges side by side—no one can do it alone. The future should be about what we can achieve together. And yes, we are working hard on improving and speeding up our visa application system and have already reformed immigration laws for qualified foreign workers.
The foreign policy of your administration follows the guiding principles of security, freedom and prosperity. How do you want to achieve this? What role does Nigeria play in it?
Those three goals are deeply connected. Without security, people cannot invest and cannot build prosperous lives or make free choices. Without freedom, there is no accountability—and no innovation. Without prosperity, security is much harder to sustain. That’s why our foreign policy focuses on building resilient and reliable partnerships. Nigeria is an indispensable partner in that effort: the giant of Africa, the largest economy in the region, a cultural beacon—and a democratic country with a lively public debate. Your success matters far beyond your borders. Whether we are talking about regional stability, multilateralism, or clean energy, trade, and the digital economy, we want to work together as equals.
Europe talks a lot about Africa’s potential, but investment does not seem to match the rhetoric. What would you say to young Nigerians wondering whether Germany is truly open for business?
I would tell them: judge us by what we do. German companies are already investing in Nigeria, creating jobs and building long-term partnerships, for example in the Pharma sector with the German Pharma company Bayer, in the construction sector with Knauff, in the energy sector with Siemens, in the cosmetics sector with Beyersdorf. But I also believe we can do and should do much more. Nigeria has an extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit, and Germany has experience in manufacturing, technology and vocational training. That’s a very promising combination. We want more German businesses to discover Nigeria as a market of the future, but also as a partner of today. Precisely because I want to boost mutual investment and trade and local value chains, I am bringing a German business delegation, and I am going to meet with Nigerian entrepreneurs.
As you know, security remains one of our key challenges, and you consider this a guiding principle for Germany. Where do you see the potential of a security cooperation between an African and a European nation?
Security challenges have always had complex causes. When it comes to security with regard to defence cooperation, Nigeria and Germany are collaborating in various aspects of training. Most notably, for over two decades, there has been an established German Technical Advisory Group assisting in the professional formation of Nigerian military personnel – based on Nigerian needs. Now, for the first time, this program is funded jointly as a means to strengthen our partnership on equal terms. However, lasting security goes beyond military cooperation and also depends on strong institutions, economic opportunities and trust between citizens and the state. And we remain committed to the joint efforts of making the North-east of Nigeria and the whole Lake Chad Basin a safer place for its citizens. Germany and Nigeria are cooperating at all levels; formats like our Binational Commission help set political frameworks on which we can build our projects and dialogue during visits like this.
The majority of Nigeria’s population are youths. What advice would a German foreign minister give to our youths who look at the future with hope and uncertainty?
First of all, I wouldn’t presume to lecture young Nigerians. Every generation has to find its own path. I understand that Nigerians already know the value of curiosity. But I would say, if young Nigerians asked me, keep learning new skills, ask difficult questions, stay open to different perspectives and never stop believing that you can shape your own future.
What are you looking forward to most during your stay?
Officially, I should probably say all of my meetings – and I truly do look forward to them. I will have meetings with (the Nigerian) foreign minister, Ms Odumegwu-Ojukwu, as well as with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr Touray, who are both very important partners and great interlocutors. But beyond that, I’m looking forward to experiencing Nigeria myself: meeting entrepreneurs, talking to artists, hearing different perspectives and, of course, tasting the food. I have already been told that I shouldn’t leave without trying jollof rice! Visits like these are ultimately about meeting people, hearing their stories, understanding their aspirations and thus building connections. Those conversations are often what stays with you long after you’ve returned home.