?Germany has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic, trade, and security cooperation with Nigeria, celebrating over 65 years of enduring strategic partnership between both nations.

Speaking during a high-level official visit accompanied by key government officials and business leaders, the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, highlighted the deep historical roots of the relationship, noting that Germany established its Embassy in Lagos just three days after Nigeria achieved independence in 1960.

?The Minister revealed that Germany remains Nigeria's largest bilateral European trading partner, driven by a robust 10 percent growth in bilateral trade volume over the past year.

He expressed strong confidence that the ongoing Nigeria-Germany Business Forum will serve as a catalyst for even greater economic collaboration, assuring that his visit would pave the way for a new wave of German investors entering the Nigerian market.

?Underscoring Germany’s active interest in Nigeria’s energy sector, Wadephul praised the performance of the Nigeria-Germany Bilateral Commission, describing its operations as optimal and vital for future energy initiatives.

Beyond economic ties, he reiterated Germany's steadfast support for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its regional fight against terrorism and violent extremism across the Sahel.

Concluding his remarks, the Foreign Minister expressed optimism for close collaboration with his Nigerian counterpart to continuously bolster and expand the strategic bond between both nations.