The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, announced on Thursday that the trade volume between Germany and Nigeria had reached an astonishing €3 billion in 2022.
This milestone was celebrated at a press conference, where Ambassador Günther shared key insights into the dynamic trade relationship between the two nations.
Germany’s exports to Nigeria were outlined with machines dominating at 28% followed closely by food products at 20% and chemical products at 19%.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s primary exports to Germany consisted predominantly of crude oil, constituting 83% of the total with food products and other raw materials accounting for 12% and 4%, respectively.
Ambassador Günther also highlighted the growing cultural exchange between the countries, noting that 2,000 Nigerians successfully passed the German language examinations at the Goethe Institute in 2022, reflecting a deepening interest in German culture and language.
Education played a pivotal role in this relationship, with approximately 4,000 Nigerian students pursuing their academic aspirations in Germany.
Moreover, the ambassador emphasized the presence of 90 German companies operating in Nigeria, generating 17,000 direct jobs and an impressive tenfold increase in indirect employment.
Highlighting Germany’s commitment to Nigeria’s development, Ambassador Günther stated that Germany had invested over €600 million across various sectors, solidifying its position as the second-largest donor.
Also, Germany pledged €620 million to the Economic Community of West African States, a significant contribution towards regional development.
In the realm of humanitarian assistance, Germany continued to be a key player, allocating €50 million in 2022 to vital activities such as protection, food security, health, and shelter.
This substantial support underscores Germany’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians in need.
The impressive growth in trade, educational exchange, and developmental initiatives between Germany and Nigeria showcases the strength of their bilateral ties, promising a bright future for cooperation and mutual prosperity.