By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have resolved to deepen bilateral relations between their countries and strengthen collaboration in the security, power and railway sectors.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that both leaders expressed their commitment during a telephone conversation on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the statement, the two leaders also indicated their willingness to cooperate in the areas of creative arts and skills development.
The discussion also focused on the Presidential Power Initiative, during which President Tinubu noted that Nigeria would require support, particularly in power transmission.
The German Chancellor pledged that Siemens would be ready to provide assistance in that regard, while Deutsche Bank would be willing to finance the project.
Both leaders also expressed concern over the situation in the Sahel region. President Tinubu called for the supply of used helicopters to support intelligence and reconnaissance operations in the region.
“The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence reconnaissance is needed,” the Nigerian leader was quoted as saying.
Onanuga recalled that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Germany have spanned about 65 years.
He added that Chancellor Merz said Germany is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador to Germany.
The Chancellor also highlighted the importance of the arts and called for the establishment of the Great Museum of African Arts.
According to Onanuga, the telephone conversation began at 2:01 p.m. and ended at about 2:10 p.m.