By Ameh Gabriel
Abuja, August 14, 2025 — Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has called for deeper cultural and economic engagement between Nigeria and Germany, urging investors to tap into the rich opportunities that cultural exchange can bring to national growth.
Tuggar made the call on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Salute Nigeria Initiative organisers of the upcoming Nigeria–German Investment and Cultural Expo (NGICE) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The minister, who served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany for six years, praised the NGICE concept as a viable platform to strengthen diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations.
“Germany is a country with a deep appreciation for culture it goes beyond heritage and arts. There is a lot within that cultural space that requires investment and collaboration,” Tuggar said. “Nigerian music, especially Afrobeat, is now a global sound, while our food and fashion are gaining increasing recognition. Products we take for granted here like moringa, bamboo, and ginger are in high demand internationally.”
He stressed that the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, as well as Industry, Trade and Investment, should be actively engaged to maximise the NGICE’s potential. Tuggar also pledged to inform Nigeria’s mission in Berlin to provide visa facilitation and other support, while encouraging the organisers to work closely with the German Embassy in Nigeria.
Berlin Chosen as Cultural Hub
Dr. Mike Okiro, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Salute Nigeria Initiative and former Inspector-General of Police, said Berlin was selected as the venue for the NGICE due to Germany’s status as Europe’s cultural hub. He noted that Tuggar’s extensive diplomatic experience in Germany would be instrumental in attracting investors and boosting cultural cooperation.
“Nigeria has resources beyond oil and gas,” Okiro said. “We have a cultural wealth that can be exported to the world. This expo is not just about promoting our heritage but also about opening doors for foreign investment.”
Ambassador Chielo Ojirika, Director-General of the Salute Nigeria Initiative and Coordinator of NGICE, said the event, scheduled for October 20–23 in Berlin, aims to project Nigeria’s image as an investor-friendly destination while showcasing its diverse cultural assets.
“The goal is to bring the world through Berlin to Nigeria presenting our country as an investors’ paradise while strengthening bilateral and economic ties with Germany and Europe,” Ojirika stated.
The Nigeria–German Investment and Cultural Expo is expected to attract stakeholders from both countries, featuring exhibitions, business networking, and cultural showcases designed to foster mutual growth and understanding.
