Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Bagudu, has expressed confidence that ongoing federal government reforms will enhance the nation’s economy.
His remarks came during a meeting on Friday with a delegation from the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Giessen-Friedberg, Germany, in Abuja.
Bagudu noted that President Bola Tinubu has taken significant risks to ensure Nigeria functions effectively. He welcomed the dual training and apprenticeship program from CCI Giessen-Friedberg, describing it as timely and beneficial for the government’s social investment initiatives and economic reforms.
“There cannot be a better time for this collaboration, as it will support our economic agenda,” he stated. He also highlighted Germany’s pivotal role within the European Union and likened Nigeria’s importance to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). “Germany is one of the success stories in Nigeria’s industrial landscape, particularly in aluminum, construction, pharmaceuticals, and machinery manufacturing,” he added.
Discussing legal migration, Bagudu mentioned a migration agreement signed between Nigeria and Germany, which facilitates the movement of Nigerian youths abroad as global citizens. This agreement aims to help them avoid legal issues in their host countries.
He emphasized that his ministry is focused on managing bilateral economic cooperation, including development aid and technical assistance programs. Bagudu commended the German government for its support of Nigeria’s economic reforms and encouraged other nations to follow suit.
Matthias Leder, CEO of the CCI Giessen-Friedberg, articulated the purpose of their visit: to enhance collaboration between German and Nigerian chambers of industry. “We aim to bolster the Nigerian Chambers of Industries by promoting dual vocational training for young Nigerians and facilitating legal migration with better rights,” Leder said.
He explained that the dual vocational training program, popular in Germany, combines theoretical instruction with practical, on-the-job training, providing young people with essential skills. This program is currently operational in Ogun State, allowing more Nigerians to benefit from its structure.
Leder also noted that Germany has relaxed immigration rules for citizens from the European Union and European Free Trade Association (EU/EFTA), indicating a broader commitment to fostering international cooperation in vocational training and skilled migration.
