Tinubu, German Chancellor Merz Agree on Security, Power, Rail Cooperation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have agreed to deepen Nigeria–Germany relations, with both leaders pledging closer collaboration in security, electricity transmission, and railway development following a telephone conversation on Wednesday.

According to details of the exchange, the two leaders resolved to strengthen bilateral engagement across strategic sectors, while also expressing readiness to cooperate in creative arts and skills development. The call, which lasted approximately nine minutes, underscored what officials described as a renewed push to expand economic and technical partnerships between the two countries.

During the discussion, President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing reforms in the power sector and reiterated the country’s need for support in modernising electricity transmission infrastructure under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI). The Nigerian leader stressed that improving transmission capacity remains critical to stabilising supply and unlocking the gains of broader energy investments.

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Chancellor Merz responded by affirming Germany’s willingness to assist. He indicated that Siemens AG would be prepared to provide technical expertise and solutions in transmission, while Deutsche Bank AG could support financing arrangements for the initiative. The PPI, a long-running Nigeria–Germany partnership, is aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s grid and boosting generation, transmission, and distribution efficiency.

Security cooperation also featured prominently in the talks, as both leaders expressed concern over instability in the Sahel region. President Tinubu warned that deteriorating conditions along the Sahel corridor continue to pose risks to West Africa’s security architecture, citing the need for enhanced intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities.

“The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support and reconnaissance are needed,” the President said, while calling for the supply of used helicopters to strengthen aerial surveillance and regional security operations.

Observers note that insecurity in the Sahel driven by insurgency, organised crime, and political instability has increasingly affected neighbouring states, including Nigeria, through cross-border threats and humanitarian pressures.

Beyond security and power, Tinubu and Merz discussed opportunities for expanded cooperation in railway modernisation, a sector Nigeria considers central to its infrastructure and logistics agenda. Although specific project details were not disclosed, analysts say German engineering and financing expertise could complement Nigeria’s rail expansion efforts.

The leaders also signalled interest in cultural and human capital partnerships. Chancellor Merz emphasised the importance of creative industries and proposed the establishment of a “Great Museum of African Arts,” highlighting the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening ties.

In a diplomatic gesture, Merz said Germany was “eagerly awaiting” the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador, describing the posting as vital for advancing dialogue and economic engagement.

Nigeria and Germany have maintained diplomatic relations for about 65 years, with cooperation spanning trade, manufacturing, renewable energy, vocational training, and development assistance. Germany remains one of Nigeria’s key European economic partners, particularly in technology and industrial development.

Policy experts say Wednesday’s conversation reflects a broader alignment between Abuja and Berlin on energy transition, infrastructure investment, and regional stability. They add that tangible outcomes especially in power transmission upgrades and security support will depend on follow-up technical negotiations and financing frameworks.

The telephone conversation began at 2:01 p.m. and ended around 2:10 p.m., marking the first publicly disclosed engagement between Tinubu and Merz since the German leader assumed office.