TheCable

Olaf Scholz, chancellor of Germany, is billed to visit Nigeria to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries.

Scholz is expected to arrive in the country on October 29 (Sunday) and extend his visit to October 30, according to the German embassy.

The trip will be the chancellor’s first visit to Nigeria since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May.

In a statement on Friday, the German embassy said the visit was intended to appreciate Nigeria’s strong partnership with the European country over the years and to discuss ways to improve ties.

“With diplomatic relations spanning over 60 years, Germany and Nigeria have a warm and longstanding relationship. They are natural partners as both are the strongest economy and the most populous country on their respective continents,” the statement reads.

“This visit intends to accentuate Germany’s appreciation for the strong partnership over the years, and underlines the importance the German government places in Nigeria’s role in the region and globally.”

Scholz is expected to open a Nigeria-German business conference organised by the Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce.

“While in Lagos, he will interface with representatives of Nigerian civil society as well as with Nigerian start-up entrepreneurs,” the statement said.

The chancellor will also take part in a tour of Lagos to “gain insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the megacity”. 

The German leader will also meet with Omar Alieu Touray, president of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, in Abuja.

Scholz will be accompanied by a delegation of high-ranking German business leaders including CEOs of some of the “highest-valued” German companies, as well as by a cultural delegation.