Nigeria, Germany Set Target on Energy Transition, Tackling Climate Crises

The Federal Government and Germany have pledged commitments to deepen bilateral ties, meet the energy transition target, tackle climate crises and strengthen collaborations across all sectors.

A statement said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, and his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, disclosed this at a bilateral meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Onyeama said the strengthening of bilateral ties, people-to-people relations, partnerships in the energy and economic sectors, tackling climate change, insecurity and strengthening collaborations across all sectors were the focus of the bilateral meeting.

He noted that the meeting was also coming on the heels of the reparation of 22 pieces of artefacts from Germany to Nigeria which was beyond aesthetics but a symbol of the culture and spirituality of the Nigerian people.

He said, “Regarding energy transmission, it is something that we want to see as the transition to fossil fuel by 2060. Hydrogen, of course, is one of the options and strategies that are still in place, and we are very open to engaging with our partners such as Germany to further develop this.

“Also, we have fully committed to Climate Action and it is a whole of government approach, and you are coming in the context of the return of various artefacts that have been residing in Germany for a number of decades.”

According to him, it was not just about the aesthetic value but deep cultural and spiritual importance to the people of Nigeria.

Onyeama added, “We have strong economic cooperation between our two countries and as a country that is an oil and gas producing country, we have tried as a government to diversify our economy.”

The German Minister, Baerbock, commended Nigeria for how well it was able to fight and resist terrorism and rebuild areas previously captured by Boko Haram.

The minister noted that Germany and the European Union were seeking the support of Nigeria and other African countries as the European Union Peace Order was currently under check following the Russian-Ukraine war, adding that the EU and Germany remained committed to standing by Ukraine which has been invaded by Russia which is a clear breach of the UN Charter.

She said, “We as the European Union have asked you as Nigeria, African countries to stand at our side when our peace order is under check and this is why we also engage with you. When you have asked us to support you while your stability has been threatened, we stand at your side.

“You are facing different challenges with regards to terrorism, but also with regards to climate crises effects, the horrible numbers we had at the end of October with the flooding people being displaced, and the millions who have been displaced.”

Baerbock also pledged Germany’s support and neutrality for free and fair elections in the country in 2023.