Abuja – President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have agreed to enhance bilateral relations and strengthen collaboration in security, power, railway, creative arts, and skill development. The two leaders reached the agreement during a telephone conversation on Wednesday afternoon, which lasted from 2:01 pm to 2:10 pm.
According to a State House press statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the discussion covered the Presidential Power Initiative. President Tinubu indicated that Nigeria would need assistance with power transmission, to which Chancellor Merz responded that Siemens would be ready to help and Deutsche Bank would be willing to finance the project.
The leaders also expressed concern over the security situation in the Sahel region. “The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support reconnaissance is needed,” President Tinubu said, calling for the supply of used helicopters to aid intelligence and reconnaissance efforts.
Chancellor Merz noted that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Germany have spanned 65 years and said his country is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador to Germany. He also highlighted the importance of the arts and called for the establishment of the Great Museum of African Arts.
The statement, dated February 18, 2026, reflects both nations’ intent to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.
