President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have committed to deepening bilateral ties between Nigeria and Germany, with a focus on enhanced cooperation in security, power transmission, railway development, creative arts, and skill acquisition.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, disclosed the details in a statement released on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The agreement was reached during a telephone conversation that lasted from 2:01 pm to approximately 2:10 pm.
On Nigeria’s electricity challenges, President Tinubu specifically requested German support for power transmission infrastructure under the Presidential Power Initiative.
Chancellor Merz responded positively, stating: “Siemens is ready to assist, and Deutsche Bank is willing to finance the project.”
The leaders also discussed the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region.
President Tinubu emphasised the need for collaborative action, saying: “The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support reconnaissance is needed.”
Chancellor Merz welcomed the strengthening of diplomatic relations, which have existed for 65 years, and expressed anticipation for the arrival of Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassador to Germany.
He further highlighted the role of arts and culture in fostering stronger people-to-people ties, advocating for the establishment of a Great Museum of African Arts to promote cultural exchange.
The conversation reflects growing momentum in Nigeria-Germany relations, particularly in strategic sectors critical to Nigeria’s economic stability, energy security, and counter-terrorism efforts in the West African sub-region.
