Nigeria, Germany Agree To Deepen Collaboration On Climate And Energy Transition

Nigeria and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen relations in climate change mitigation and energy transition.

Geoffrey Onyeama, Nigeria's minister of foreign affairs, and Annalena Baerbock, Germany's foreign minister, held a meeting Tuesday in the capital city of Abuja, Punch reported.

The meeting was a follow-up to the repatriation of 22 artifacts from Germany to Nigeria. During the discussions, Onyeama noted the artifacts are not only aesthetically pleasing but also a symbol of the culture and spirituality of the Nigerian people.

Onyeama detailed about Nigeria's interests include securing collaborations on climate change issues, energy, economy, and insecurity. He further stated that strengthening bilateral ties and people-to-people relations will benefit both countries.

"Regarding energy transition, it is something that we want to see the transition away from fossil fuel by 2060," he added.

The hydrogen fuel cell is still one of the options on the table, and the ministry once again expressed its openness to engaging with partners, such as Germany, to further develop the strategy, as per Onyeama.

"Also, we have fully committed to Climate Action and it is a whole of government approach, and you are coming in the context of the return of various artifacts that have been residing in Germany for several decades," he further said. "We have strong economic cooperation between our two countries and as a country that is an oil and gas producing country, we have tried, as a government, to diversify our economy."

Baerbock, on the other hand, underlined the need for Nigeria and Germany to strengthen collaborations for economic and mutual benefits.

She further hailed Nigeria for its resilience in the fight against terrorism and the rebuilding of areas previously controlled by Boko Haram.

Baerbock added that Germany and the European Union are seeking the support of Nigeria and other African countries as the European Union Peace Order is currently under check following the Russian-Ukraine war.

"We are really appreciative of how your government has supported us. We went to Borno State to see first-hand what part of your society has been through within the last year. But also how you resisted terrorism and how rebuilt the areas which have been taken by Boko Haram and others. So, we really applaud your engagement for the security of the people," Baerbock said, as per Leadership.