Nigeria, Germany to Deepen Ties in Power, Security, Rail
By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa
President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a nine-minute call on February 18, 2026, to strengthen bilateral ties.
The leaders focused on modernizing Nigeria’s infrastructure, specifically targeting the power, security, and railway sectors.
A major focus was the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), aimed at fixing Nigeria’s fragile electricity grid. Chancellor Merz confirmed that Siemens is prepared to offer technical expertise, while Deutsche Bank stands ready to provide the necessary project financing.
Addressing the worsening security in the Sahel, President Tinubu requested used helicopters to bolster surveillance and intelligence missions. Both leaders agreed that regional stability is a priority and pledged to enhance intelligence sharing to combat insurgency.
The dialogue also covered cultural and youth development, with Merz advocating for a “Great Museum of African Arts.” This initiative is intended to create new skill-building opportunities for Nigerian youth within the creative and cultural industries.
Chancellor Merz noted that Germany is awaiting the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador to Berlin to finalize these agreements. The call reaffirmed Germany’s position as a vital partner in Nigeria’s ongoing economic and structural modernization.
This high-level engagement follows President Tinubu’s recent Executive Order to secure oil and gas revenues. These combined efforts highlight a strategic shift toward fiscal transparency and international collaboration to drive national growth.
