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.

Mobile Network Operators have ruled out negotiations with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the recent 50 per cent tariff increase, insisting that no reduction will be made despite union protests.

The stance was articulated at a forum held over the weekend in Lagos, where representatives from major operators—including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and 9mobile—addressed concerns surrounding the adjustment approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission on January 20, 2025.

The NLC has rejected the tariff hike and is demanding a reduction to five per cent, threatening a nationwide protest on Tuesday, February 4, if its demands are not met.

Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, argued that the approved increase is vital to sustaining telecom operations amid escalating costs.

“This increase is a lifeline that enables us to survive,” Adebayo said.

“Anything lower would be like giving someone who needs 100 litres of oxygen only a fraction—barely enough to keep them alive but insufficient for long-term survival,” he stressed.

MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo, emphasised that individual operators do not engage directly with the NLC.

“We have not been talking to the NLC because our industry association, ALTON, handles such engagements. They have already communicated the rationale behind the tariff adjustment, which is essential for the sustainability of telecom services,” he explained.

Airtel Nigeria’s Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, echoed this sentiment, adding that any discussions with the NLC are managed by relevant government agencies and ALTON.

The NCC defended the 50 per cent tariff increase, citing rising operational costs driven by inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and higher energy expenses.

In its statement, the Nigerian Communications Commission said the adjustment is in line with its mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, to ensure the financial sustainability of the telecom sector.

Meanwhile, the NLC has condemned the hike as “insensitive and unjustifiable,” arguing that it would impose an extra burden on Nigerian consumers.

The union’s president, Joe Ajaero, reiterated the demand for a significant reduction.