Nigeria and Garman government have expressed readiness to partner to strengthen economy and create investment-friendly policies in the two countries.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Former Minister, Information and National Orientation, said this when a delegation from IHK Giessen – Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Germany, paid a courtesy visit to Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Mohammed, who led the delegation, said the visit was not only to strengthen relations between the two countries but to invite the minister to attend the forthcoming business conference: “THE WORLD MEETS IN GIESSEN”.
The conference is billed hold from May 20 to May 21, in Giessen, Germany.
He said the engagement by the two countries have great significance as it built a longstanding relationship that began in 2005, and the commencement of visitation to Nigeria in 2011.
Mohammed said the IHK Giessen-Friedberg initiated the implementation of the Dual Vocational Education Project in 2011, adding that the initiative aimed at transferring key elements of German’s renowned dual vocational training system to Nigeria.
Tge project, he said, has been implemented successfully in collaboration with five Nigerian partners, including Abuja, Ogun and Lagos Chambers of Commerce.
“Thereby providing a structured approach to vocational education and skills development in the country,” he said.
According to Mohammed, the partnership on the implementation of the project will create more investment-friendly policies and unlock new opportunities for businesses on both sides.
He said the efforts would help to streamline legitimate labour migration, ensuring that skilled Nigerians who sought opportunities in Germany do so.
“We can create an avenue that benefits both economies, especially in addressing Germany’s labour needs while providing Nigerians with the opportunities to develop their skills and contribute to global economic growth,” he said.
The former minister said the initiative aligned with the National Talent Export Programme, launched by President Bola Tinubu, and spearheaded by the ministry.
He said the initiative would harness the country’s skilled workforce and connect them with global employment opportunities, stressing that the IHK Giessen-Friedberg came with an open mind, ready to engage with the ministry and relevant stakeholders on the issues.
Responding, Oduwole said the ministry was strongly engaging Nigerian youths on vocational services and managed skills, to support the programme to ensure that the country’s economy develop greatly.
According to her, it is a pleasure to welcome you and to listen to what you have.
“I wish you all the best, we look forward to seeing how we might possibly participate in this year’s conference.
“We are always open to opportunities for Nigerian youths. So, well done, and thank you for the visit.
“We are very glad about the support we received by Lai Muhammad because he is a perfect bridge builder. We want to step over these bridges together,” she said,” she said.
Earlier, Dr Matthias Leder, Chief Executive officer, IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the purpose of the visit was to sought strong collaboration between the two countries.
He said the conference would bring together various companies across the globe to Garmany, to discuss on how their economies could effectively improved.
According to him, the conference will bring alot of investment opportunities to various countries to grow stronger as company owners could have easy access to enter other countries.
