Annett Gunther, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, has revealed that the Trade partnership between Nigeria and Germany is currently valued at approximately three billion euros. During an interview that was held in Abuja on May 19, 2024, Gunther made this information public. The German representative disclosed that trade between Nigeria and Germany saw significant growth, increasing from two billion euros in 2022 to three billion euros currently. This boost in trade has been beneficial for Nigeria, as the balance of trade is in their favour due to the Export of crude oil.
She mentioned the possibility of enhancing trade ties between the two nations, with a particular focus on agricultural cooperation, an area that is actively being pursued by both sides. Gunther mentioned that Agriculture presents a great opportunity for collaboration. This is not only because it can contribute to enhancing Food Security in Nigeria but also because it can help in boosting the export of processed goods. Rather than focusing on increasing sales of basic materials, their goal is to increase the amount of value added activities taking place within the borders.
There are approximately 90 German companies with a presence in Nigeria.
This increase will generate more employment opportunities. Within their development cooperation efforts, they are dedicated to enhancing agriculture through a specialized program that specifically targets the value chain. This initiative aims to bolster small and medium enterprises within the industry. The German emissary observed a significant presence of German delegations at trade exhibitions in Lagos. Specifically, they highlighted the agricultural food festival as a notable event where German companies showcased their products in one of the largest pavilions.
Furthermore, she detailed how the German business community in Lagos is supported by the German Chamber of Trade and Commerce, acting as a liaison for German companies in Nigeria. Gunther also mentioned that there are approximately 90 German companies with a presence in Nigeria. He noted that some focus on trade activities, while others have set up Manufacturing plants in the country. Gunther mentioned that Nivea, a prominent German brand, has established a large and state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Nigeria.
Products manufactured in Nigeria closely mirror those made in Germany.
The range of Nivea products including lotions and creams are manufactured in Lagos, showcasing the quality of German production in the region. The products manufactured in Nigeria closely mirror those made in Germany due to their adherence to the same high quality standards. This is because both countries have production facilities where the items are created, resulting in almost identical products. The reason for this is that the ingredients used in the products, such as oils and fragrances, are brought in from other countries.
It is essential that the products meet the same standards, quality, and scent as those manufactured in Germany. Nigeria and Germany each have diplomatic representations in the other’s capital city. Germany maintains a consulate in the bustling city of Lagos, while Nigeria has a consulate in the financial hub of Frankfurt. During 2019, the German consulate in Lagos advocated for a boost in Investment towards Nigeria’s Infrastructure to enhance trade relations between the two countries. In a subsequent development, President Buhari entered into an agreement with Siemens, a German energy firm, to produce a minimum of 25,000 megawatts of power for Nigeria’s Electricity network by the year 2025.
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In the same year, Nigeria emerged as one of Germany’s key trading allies within the Sub-Saharan African region, marking a significant milestone in their economic partnership. Germany sent over $1.2 billion worth of goods to Nigeria in 2019, with most of the exports being rubber, working machinery, and cars. On the other hand, Nigeria exported around $2.6 billion worth of goods to Germany during the same year, with crude Petroleum and cocoa being the top products sent.