German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier began his official visit to Nigeria on Tuesday, landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He was welcomed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other dignitaries at the presidential wing of the airport.

On Wednesday, President Steinmeier was received at the State House by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. During the visit, the German leader inspected a Guard of Honour, signaling the start of high-level bilateral engagements between the two nations.

The visit, set to continue through December 12, 2024, is packed with activities aimed at strengthening Germany-Nigeria relations. In Abuja, Steinmeier is expected to meet with the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Alieu Omar Touray, as well as other regional leaders.

Following his engagements in the Nigerian capital, President Steinmeier will travel to Lagos, the nation’s economic hub. There, he plans to meet with business representatives, explore opportunities in Nigeria’s dynamic start-up ecosystem, and engage with key figures in the country’s cultural sector, including Dr. Nike Okundaye and Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka.

The Lagos leg of the visit will also provide an opportunity for the German president to tour the city, focusing on urban development issues, including environmental and social challenges faced by the megacity.

This visit underscores Germany’s commitment to fostering deeper economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties with Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and a key player in the region.