News

Nigeria Strengthens Economic Ties With Germany To Boost Investment, Jobs

Published

12 months ago

February 5, 2025

The Federal Government of Nigeria is strengthening ties with Germany to promote foreign direct investment and stimulate economic growth.

The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed this yesterday while welcoming a delegation from the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Germany.

The delegation’s visit aims to enhance Nigeria’s economic relations with Germany and explore opportunities for investment and job creation, particularly in vocational training, skilled migration, and business development.

Addressing the delegation, Oduwole emphasised the alignment between the German initiatives and the ministry’s priorities.

“It is a pleasure to welcome you and to hear what you have in store. One of our priority programmes, which you mentioned—the National Talent Export Programme—we are repositioning to scale up Nigerian youth in terms of services, vocational training, and managed skills migration,” she said.

The event also highlighted Nigeria’s growing potential as a key player in international trade, leveraging its young, skilled workforce to meet the increasing demand for labour in Germany. This includes structured migration pathways that benefit both economies.

Oduwole expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “We are always open to opportunities for Nigerian youth,” and extended her support for the forthcoming The World Meets in Giessen conference in Germany.

The German delegation was led by the President of the Giessen Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Matthias Leder.

In his address, Leder emphasised the mutual benefits of their continued cooperation, focusing on two key areas: investment opportunities and skilled labour migration.

He invited Nigeria to participate in the upcoming World Meets in Giessen conference, which aims to connect businesses from around the world in a B2B format.

“We offer a B2B conference where companies from all over the world can come to Giessen to network and pitch. To support these companies, we also invite honourable ministers, ambassadors, and consul generals, as these excellencies serve as the perfect door openers to enter a foreign market,” he said.

Leder also discussed the success of the dual vocational training system implemented in Nigeria, which has significantly reduced youth unemployment.

“We have already implemented this in Nigeria, in Abuja, Abeokuta, and Lagos, and it was successful. More than 95 per cent of the apprentices in these three locations received job offers,” he shared.

“We are convinced that this is a key factor for Nigeria’s development and growth,” he added.

The partnership between Nigeria and Germany is set to create long-term economic opportunities, focusing on workforce development, improved labour mobility, and increased investment.

This collaboration is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, generate employment for its youthful population, and attract international businesses eager to tap into the country’s growing market.

In his remarks, the Managing Partner of Bruit Costaud, Lai Mohammed, underscored the importance of cooperation between the two nations.

“We deeply appreciate your time and engagement, and we believe this collaboration will yield meaningful outcomes that will further strengthen the economic and trade relationship between Nigeria and Germany,” Mohammed said.

News

HoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries

Published

23 hours ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Head of Service (HoS) of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Inyingi S. I. Brown, has commended Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for approving befitting accommodation for Permanent Secretaries in the state.

This commendation was contained in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.

According to the Head of Service, Governor Fubara has continued to demonstrate uncommon commitment to the welfare of civil servants in Rivers State, stressing that such gestures underscore his people-oriented leadership style. She urged civil servants across the state to remain supportive of the governor’s administration in order to sustain good governance and effective public service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Brown congratulated Governor Fubara on the occasion of his 51st birthday, describing him as “a Governor who leads by serving.”

She further praised the governor’s service-driven and people-centred leadership approach, noting that it has significantly contributed to institutional stability and improved efficiency within the state’s public service. Special appreciation was expressed for the approval of a befitting accommodation complex for Permanent Secretaries, which she said reflects the governor’s commitment to staff welfare and enhanced productivity.

As part of activities to mark the governor’s birthday, the Body of Permanent Secretaries announced the sponsorship of 329 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for indigent students across the state.

A breakdown of the initiative shows that 319 forms will be distributed across the 319 political wards in Rivers State, while five forms are allocated to non-indigenes and five forms to persons living with disabilities.

Interested applicants are advised to contact the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, for further details.

The Body of Permanent Secretaries wished Governor Fubara continued good health, divine wisdom, and greater accomplishments in his service to the people of Rivers State.

By John Bibor

News

Allegation of Disrespect to President Tinubu Unfounded — Rivers Government

Published

24 hours ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to a statement credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), purportedly authored by one Bestman Innocent Amadi, alleging that the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, removed the official portrait of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from the Government House, Port Harcourt.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Rivers State Government wishes to categorically state that there is no policy, directive, or intention on the part of the government or the Governor that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government.

On the contrary, the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, currently enjoys a robust, cordial, and collaborative relationship with the Federal Government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Renewed Hope Agenda—a partnership that is already yielding positive and tangible benefits for the people of Rivers State.

Consequently, the insinuation that the Governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” is misleading, irresponsible, inflammatory, and entirely unsupported by verifiable facts, and should therefore be disregarded by the public.

It is regrettable that a body expected to promote youth unity, peace, and responsible engagement would resort to incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated claims capable of overheating the polity at a time when Rivers State requires calm, dialogue, and mature leadership.

The Rivers State Government therefore calls on well-meaning members of the public, particularly its esteemed and hardworking youths, to disregard and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups bent on advancing divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.

Rivers State belongs to all of us. Political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, peace, and the collective pursuit of progress.

Members of the public are further urged to remain vigilant and avoid lending credence to inflammatory statements or the activities of fifth columnists pursuing dubious agendas aimed at sowing discord.

Here is a clean, professional, publication-ready edit of your report with improved flow, clarity, and SEO strength while retaining all facts:

News

Rivers Government Dismisses Allegations of Disrespect to President Tinubu

Published

24 hours ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has dismissed as unfounded and misleading allegations that Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara removed the official portrait of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from the Government House in Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state government reacted to claims credited to an acclaimed Rivers State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), describing the allegation as false, irresponsible, and unsupported by any verifiable facts.

The government clarified that it has no policy, directive, or intention that disrespects the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or undermines the authority of the Federal Government. It emphasized that Governor Fubara maintains a cordial, respectful, and collaborative relationship with President Tinubu and the Federal Government.

According to the statement, the relationship between Rivers State and the Federal Government has grown stronger under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with tangible benefits and positive impacts already being felt by residents of the state.

The Rivers State Government described insinuations that the governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” as deliberately provocative, noting that such claims are capable of misleading the public and unnecessarily heating up the polity.

It further expressed concern that an organization expected to promote youth unity and peace would engage in what it termed incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated accusations at a time when the state requires calm, dialogue, and responsible leadership.

The government called on well-meaning members of the public, especially the youths of Rivers State, to disregard the claims and dissociate themselves from individuals or groups spreading divisive rhetoric and falsehoods for political purposes.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, unity, and progress, the state government stressed that political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, and the collective interest of the people.

Members of the public were also urged to remain vigilant and not give attention to inflammatory statements or individuals described as fifth columnists bent on causing division within the state.