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.

Following President Bola Tinubu’s approval of bills establishing development commissions across various regions, the Senate has made minor adjustments, appointing new chairmen and deputy chairmen to oversee these commissions.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio who announced the new chairmen and their deputies yesterday at the plenary said, “Senator Babangida Hussaini and Senator Muntari Dandutse will serve as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on the North West Development Commission.

“Similarly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Kenneth Eze have been appointed as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission, while Senator Titus Zam and Senator Isa Jibrin will head the Senate Committee on the North Central Development Commission.”

The Senate also reshuffled some standing committees.

Abdul Ningi was moved from the Population Committee to chair the Senate Committee on FERMA.

Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, formerly in charge of the Local Content Committee, now leads the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Other appointments include “Senator Garba Maidoki as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development and Joel Thomas as the new Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content. Victor Umeh, formerly leading the Diaspora Committee, will now chair the Senate Committee on National Population and NIMC”.

Akpabio praised lawmakers for their commitment during the 2025 budget defence sessions.

He emphasised their role in ensuring a viable financial plan for the year.

The Senate extended condolences to the Speaker of the House of Representatives over the passing of former Deputy Majority Whip, Oriyomi Onanuga, on January 15.

Akpabio led lawmakers in observing a minute of silence in her honour before adjourning plenary.

The Nigerian Immigration Service is set to introduce a contactless passport application system in Europe, with the United Kingdom serving as the coordinating centre.

The initiative, scheduled for unveiling on February 7, will allow Nigerians in the diaspora to renew their passports online without visiting physical offices.

The Comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja, yesterday.

Nandap, in a statement signed by the NiDCOM spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, explained that the initiative aims to simplify the passport renewal process for Nigerians abroad, saving time and reducing travel costs.

However, she clarified that the system is only for passport renewals and does not apply to first-time applicants or minors.

Nandap emphasised that Nigerians living abroad can initiate the renewal process up to a year before their passport’s expiration.

“This initiative set for launch on 7th of February 2025 will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to apply for and renew their passports online from the comfort of their homes,” she was quoted saying.

She commended NiDCOM for its role in creating awareness about programs that benefit Nigerians in the diaspora.

The Comptroller General also highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s directive to ease passport processing for Nigerians abroad.

She revealed that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has approved a new passport processing facility in New York to address backlogs, with plans to open additional offices in the U.S. and other countries.

Dabiri-Erewa welcomed the development, describing it as a significant step towards more efficient and secure passport processing for Nigerians overseas.

She affirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to supporting and monitoring the initiative.

“The launch of the contactless passport application solution in Europe is a significant step towards efficient, secure, and convenient travel document management for Nigerians in the diaspora.

“NiDCOM will continue to support, monitor and collaborate with the NIS to ensure the success of this initiative” the NiDCOM boss was quoted saying.

The contactless passport application system was first introduced in Canada, where it received positive feedback from Nigerians.