- German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Abuja and was welcomed with the German and Nigerian anthems
- Steinmeier met with President Bola Tinubu at the Forecourt of Aso Rock Villa
- Steinmeier to visit Lagos to meet with business representatives, tour a start-up hub, and engage with cultural figures like Dr Nike Okundaye and Professoor Wole Soyinka
President Bola Tinubu has received German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
The German leader's arrival was marked by the playing of both the German and Nigerian anthems, followed by an inspection of the Presidential Guard of Honour.
Steinmeier met with President Tinubu at the Forecourt of the Villa around 11:06 am (local time) on Wednesday, December 11. However, he had arrived in Abuja the previous evening, Tuesday, December 10.
Steinmeier to tour Lagos
He was accompanied by a delegation of business leaders, including CEOs and senior board members from Germany’s most prominent companies in high-tech, and energy.
According to a statement from the German Embassy on Monday, December 9, President Steinmeier is set to meet with President Tinubu and Dr. Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission.
Next, he will visit Lagos, where he will engage with the business community, tour a start-up hub, and meet cultural and civil society figures like Dr Nike Okundaye and Professor Wole Soyinka.
“There will also be an opportunity to tour the city of Lagos and gain insights into the urban development of a megacity, including environmental and social challenges,” the statement read.
Steinmeier’s visit marked the second German leader to visit Nigeria in the past 14 months, and the third European leader to visit since the Russo-Ukrainian War broke out in February 2022.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Nigeria on October 29, 2023, for a two-day working trip, during which he met with business leaders in Lagos.
Tinubu and Steinmeier are expected to speak with the press after their closed-door meetings.
However, Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to Steinmeier’s visit, with some criticising foreign interference in the country's resources, while others voiced concerns over potential loans.
Nigerians react to Steinmeier’s visit to Aso Rock
TheRadar compiled some of the reactions below:
“France has positioned themselves to come & suck the remaining natural resources in the contraption called Nigeria, Germany heard about it & quickly rush to come & negotiate their own, India🙄, UK na grand patron of sucking🤷. The current ruler of Nigeria is a cheerful giver🤷👌,” Nwa Ojukwu stated.
“Please don’t loan him any money🙏🏽,” Emeka not E-money reacted.
“Good news from Aso Rock,” World powers added.
“Hope it brings good news,” Ozioma stated.
“More borrowing,” Mav reacted.
“Will that reduce the petroleum production price and high cost of living, last week it was France turn today its Germany turn. This is a balkanization of Nigerian mineral resources by Europeans under a clueless Nigeria president. Eagle soaring with the vulture,” Monnyx49 reacted.
Tinubu departs for China on official visit
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that President Tinubu went on an official visit to China.
This trip aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and explore economic opportunities.