President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja assured German companies that the government would honour terms of agreements on investments in the country.
The president gave the assurance when he received a Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of Germany, Birgitt Ory, at the State House, Abuja.
According to him, Nigerians eagerly look forward to investments in infrastructure, especially the power sector, that will illuminate their homes and stimulate businesses.
President Buhari said the agreements on power signed with Germany company, Siemens, was most welcoming for the country, adding that: “Nigeria looks forward to partnerships that will be mutually beneficial.”
According to the president, Nigeria remains grateful to Germany for humanitarian interventions in the North-east, providing succour for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the visit of Chancellor Angela Merkel to Nigeria in August 2018, which further strengthened bi-lateral relations.
In her remarks, the Ambassador said it was a great privilege to serve in Nigeria, which had always been her aspiration.
She described the country as “the biggest and most important country in Africa’’.
“When I came to Nigeria last year in May, which was also my first time in Africa, as soon as I stepped out of the plane, I said this is where I will like to work,” she said.
Ory congratulated Nigeria for holding two key positions in the United Nations – Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, and President of the UN General Assembly, Prof. Tijani Mohammad-Bande.
She noted that the country’s rising global profile reflected its pivotal role in Africa and West African region.
The German envoy assured the president that she would work towards improved relations between both countries, commending him for Nigeria’s role in ECOWAS, with renewed focus on economy and security.
President Buhari, who also received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Ethiopia, Azanaw Abreha, encouraged diplomats to stay longer in the country, in order to understand the dynamics of its culture, economy and landscape.
“Nigeria is big and versatile, and requires longer period of stay to be understood.
“With your staff at the embassy, you need to stay longer and move around to really appreciate the country,’’ he added.
The president said the bilateral relations with Ethiopia had been steady and rewarding for both countries, urging the ambassador to further strengthen the bond.
The Ethiopian ambassador said he would promote relations between Nigeria and his country, promising to take “the relations to the highest level’’ of mutual respect. (NAN)
