Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja

Germany has described Nigeria as the country’s second-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a trade volume of three billion euros (€3bn)

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Günther, announced this in Abuja, Nigeria, at a press conference, ahead of the joint Nigerian-German binational commission scheduled for Berlin, Germany.

Ambassador Günther explained that the relationship between the two countries is built on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and practical economic cooperation.

Trade between the two countries grew by 30 percent in 2025, reflecting Nigeria’s steady economic recovery and renewed investor confidence.

“Our goal is to move from cooperation to true partnership in value — partners who share responsibility on their continents and work together to shape a peaceful and prosperous world.

“Nigeria is Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, with a trade volume of €3 billion.

“More than 90 German companies are active in Nigeria, indirectly creating over 17,000 jobs — and that number continues to grow, especially in the energy and pharmaceutical sectors,” she said.

Beyond trade, the German envoy stressed that Germany remained a strategic development and security partner, noting that the country would continue to support military capacity building, police reform, and humanitarian interventions across Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected regions of the North-East and North-West.

“Germany has stood side by side with Nigeria in building military capacity — from officer training to technical skills like automotive mechanics. In the North-East, we are supporting the reconstruction of schools, health centres, markets, and police stations.

“The rebuilt village of Ngarannam in Borno State is one such example.

“Germany will continue to stand with Nigeria in combating terrorism. Next month, high-level military staff talks will take place in Abuja — a first in our cooperation and an important step toward even closer collaboration,” she said.

She said Germany is supporting humanitarian and development initiatives in Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by conflict, food insecurity, and climate change.

“Humanitarian assistance can provide short-term relief, but sustainable change must come from within. Our partnership with Nigeria focuses on building resilience — in communities, governance, and food systems — so that long-term progress can take root.”

The Ambassador highlighted two major projects that symbolize the strength of German-Nigerian economic collaboration.

“Firstly, the Presidential Power Initiative, in cooperation with Siemens, is now entering its second phase.

“This will add about 7 gigawatts to Nigeria’s energy grid. Secondly, our cooperation in the gas sector aims to eliminate gas flaring and improve Nigeria’s CO₂ footprint.

“After two years of economic downturn, Germany is shifting into growth mode again. Large investments in digitization, infrastructure, education, and renewable energy will give a boost to our economy, the economy of Europe, and beyond,” she stressed.

Ambassador Günther, while reaffirming  Germany’s continued investment in education and cultural exchange,  also highlighted plans to deepen cooperation with Nigeria’s film industry, describing Nollywood as “a strong international force with immense creative potential.”

“The Goethe Institute now offers language classes in Abuja for the first time, and our collaboration with the Nigerian film industry will be a major focus next year.
Much can be achieved together if we realize how much we have in common and how much our interests align.

“We believe in equitable development and shared prosperity.

“A secure and prosperous Nigeria is also in Germany’s interest — because when Nigeria thrives, Africa thrives.”

Ambassador Günther stressed that the future of German-African relations would no longer be defined by donor-recipient dynamics, but by mutual respect and shared goals.

“It is obvious that the relationship between Europe and Africa is no longer based on donor-recipient relations, but on common interests and respect.

“The results have to be beneficial for both sides. A prosperous and secure Nigeria is also in Germany’s interest. We all benefit if we can open sustainable trade channels,” she said.

The German Ambassador drew parallels between the two countries, describing them as federal republics that share democratic ideals.

She reaffirmed Germany’s foreign policy priorities of security, freedom, and prosperity, adding that Berlin seeks partnerships with countries that share those values.

“Both Nigeria and Germany are freedom-loving, democratic nations. We want the world to be governed by the strength of the law, not the law of the strongest”, she added.

The  German-Nigerian Binational Commission, scheduled to hold in Berlin in early November, would elevate ties between the two countries.

The commission will bring together officials from both nations to discuss key areas, including trade, security, energy, education, migration, and cultural exchange.

The Customs Area Controller of the Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, Comptroller Joe Anani has announced that the Command generated ₦350.3 billion between January and September 2025.

He restated the Command’s commitment to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling enforcement.

Comptroller Anani made this known during his maiden press conference held at the Command’s headquarters in Lagos, South-West Nigeria, on October 24, 2025.

He noted that “the Command remains resolute in sustaining its operational tempo through efficient service delivery, enhanced collaboration with stakeholders, and strict adherence to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) guidelines and extant laws governing international trade.”

Comptroller Anani stated that PTML has sustained a strong performance under his six-week leadership, building on what he described as a “well-organised structure.”

According to him, “between July and September 2025, the Command generated ₦116,243,603,670.58 (one hundred and sixteen billion, two hundred and forty-three million, six hundred and three thousand, six hundred and seventy naira, fifty-eight kobo).”

“This represents a 34.3 per cent increase compared to the ₦86,584,012,733.43 (eighty-six billion, five hundred and eighty-four million, twelve thousand, seven hundred and thirty-three naira, forty-three kobo) collected during the third quarter of 2024.”

Comptroller Anani explained that from January to September 2025, the Command recorded a cumulative collection of ₦350,347,173,787.92, noting that “three months to the end of 2025, we have made 96.64% — almost equating the total collection recorded in 2024.”

“For ease of reference and comparison, this command collected ₦362,521,085,250.98 (three hundred and sixty-two billion, five hundred and twenty-one million, eighty-five thousand, two hundred and fifty naira, ninety kobo) as total revenue for last year — January to December 2024,” he said.

Comptroller Anani attributed the Command’s success to the efficient deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), popularly known as B’Odogwu, describing PTML as the “cradle” of the home-grown platform.

“Despite initial challenges, the platform has enhanced trade processing and transparency,” he said, while appreciating the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his guidance and leadership.

Anti-Smuggling Drive

Comptroller Anani reiterated that “PTML’s anti-smuggling operations remain uncompromised. During the quarter, the Command intercepted several prohibited items, including a Taiwan-made Airsoft pistol, 12 rounds of live ammunition, and two containers of falsely declared pharmaceutical products, with a duty paid value of ₦200 million.”

“We will not compromise national security on the altar of trade facilitation,” he stressed.

The seizures were made in close collaboration with sister agencies, particularly the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which has since taken custody of the confiscated containers for further investigation.

Stakeholder Collaboration

In line with the Comptroller-General’s directive on community engagement, Comptroller Anani said; “PTML has strengthened collaboration with other government agencies and private-sector stakeholders through enhanced intelligence sharing, inter-agency visits, and regular consultations.”

He urged importers and agents to embrace compliance, noting that “obedience to trade laws saves time, saves money, and builds business reputation towards attaining the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status.”

Comptroller Anani also thanked the media for their continued support, pledging transparency and partnership in his administration’s efforts to improve customs operations.

NAFDAC Commends Customs

While receiving the seized drugs from the Customs Area Controller, the Director of Port Inspection Directorate at NAFDAC, Dr Olakunle Olaniran, commended the Service under the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi as well as the PTML Command under Comptroller Anani, for ensuring that substandard products do not enter the Nigerian market.

According to him, if the fake drugs had been released into circulation, they could have caused “unimaginable damages including death.”

“The products displayed here are products that are fast-moving in the market. High blood pressure control medicines are here, the antibiotics are here. When you see the packaging, you will not be able to differentiate this bad medicine from the good ones,” Dr Olaniran said.

He further urged Nigerians to always patronize registered pharmaceutical outlets when purchasing medicines.

Victoria Ibanga