Nigeria - Germany 2026 Government Negotiations Set Course for Stronger Economic Cooperation and Private Sector Engagement
Nigeria and Germany have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership and shared commitment to sustainable development, economic transformation, climate action, and inclusive growth during the 2026 Governmental Negotiations on Development Cooperation held from 13 -14 May 2026 in Abuja.
Jointly coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) of Nigeria and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the negotiations marked another important milestone in the bilateral relationship between both countries. Discussions started from Sector Dialogues to Governmental Consultations, and now to full Governmental Negotiations, demonstrating the growing depth and strategic importance of these engagements to set a clear direction for cooperation between Nigeria and Germany.
A Long-Standing Partnership Built on Dialogue
Nigeria and Germany have maintained a strong development partnership since 1959, built on sustained dialogue, mutual trust, and shared priorities. The negotiations brought together senior government officials, development partners, technical experts, and private sector representatives from both countries to define future cooperation priorities and commitments for 2026 - 2027.
The Nigerian delegation was led by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, while the German delegation was headed by Philipp Knill, Africa Director at BMZ. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Deborah Odoh, formally opened the negotiations, followed by opening remarks from:
- H.E. Ambassador Annett Günther, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria
- Philipp Knill, Head of Delegation, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany
- Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Nigeria
During his remarks, Minister Bagudu highlighted the impact of ongoing economic reforms by the Nigerian Government. “The reforms have significantly increased revenue to the Federal Government, enabling stronger support to states and creating greater opportunities for sustainable development and economic growth.” He stated.
The opening session also featured a report on the German Nigerian Business Day held in Lagos, presented by Philipp Knill, highlighting opportunities for stronger collaboration between development cooperation, private sector actors, and foreign trade promotion instruments. Additional remarks were delivered by Stefanie Schmid-Luebbert, Head of Division Sub-Saharan Africa at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), who underscored Germany’s growing interest in expanding economic cooperation with Nigeria.
Strengthening Economic Cooperation and Private Sector Engagement
Germany reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic cooperation with Nigeria, particularly following the outcomes of the Nigerian German Binational Commission held in Berlin in November 2025. Both sides highlighted the importance of fostering private sector engagement, strengthening local value chains, promoting business-friendly reforms, and improving the enabling environment for MSMEs.
Ahead of the negotiations, the German Nigerian Business Day in Lagos showcased opportunities for closer collaboration between German companies, development cooperation actors, and trade promotion institutions. Several new partnerships and initiatives were highlighted during the negotiations, including:
- A cooperation between Siemens Energy and GIZ on energy sector skills development under the Siemens Energy Education & Development Initiative (SEED)
- A partnership between Chromedix, a partner of Bayer AG, and GIZ to support contraceptive production
- Enhanced cooperation between SAP and GIZ on digitalisation initiatives
Germany also acknowledged the Nigerian Government’s ongoing efforts to address inflation, food insecurity, and broader socio-economic challenges through structural reforms and private sector engagement.
Key Technical and Financial Cooperation Areas (2026 - 2027)
- Economic Development, Training & Employment
Focus on jobs, vocational training, and private sector development.
Total commitment: EUR 34 million - Climate & Energy Transition
Support for Nigeria’s energy transition, including the Presidential Power Initiative and renewable energy expansion, alongside skills development for the power sector.
Total commitment: EUR 26.5 million - Agriculture & Food Systems
Support for post-harvest systems, climate-smart agriculture, and agribusiness finance, building on initiatives like AgFin and Nigeria’s new NiPHaST programme.
Commitment: EUR 4.5 million - Health, Social Protection & Population Policy
Continued support through global health partnerships including Gavi and the Global Fund, alongside Nigeria’s health sector reforms and family planning financing. - Peaceful and Inclusive Societies
Ongoing support for stabilization and peacebuilding in affected regions through initiatives such as PEACECORE II, focusing on recovery, inclusion, and resilience.
New Commitments
Germany announced EUR 65 million in new bilateral commitments for 2026 - 2027:
- EUR 35 million (Financial Cooperation)
- EUR 30 million (Technical Cooperation)
Since 1959, total bilateral cooperation has exceeded EUR 1.02 billion, underscoring the depth of the partnership.
Shared Vision
Both countries reaffirmed commitment to democracy, human rights, gender equality, climate action, multilateralism, and inclusive economic growth, with a shared focus on jobs, resilience, and sustainable development.
Signing of the Summary Record and perspective
The Closing Ceremony was held at the Residence of the German Ambassador in Abuja, where the Summary Record was signed by Philipp Knill (BMZ, Germany) and Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite (FMBEP, Nigeria). Looking ahead, the 2026 negotiations are expected to reinforce the Nigeria - Germany partnership and set a clear direction for deeper cooperation across energy, economy, agriculture, health, and peacebuilding, supporting long-term development and mutual prosperity.
Author: Charlotte Tamekloe, Communication Advisor, GIZ Nigeria