German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced today that his country is prepared to invest in critical gas and mineral resources in Nigeria, Africa's largest oil producer, at the start of a visit to two countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. This marks Scholz's third visit to the region in two years, coinciding with a time when conflicts elsewhere are highlighting the growing importance of an energy-rich area that Berlin has had minimal engagement with.
During a joint press conference with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in the capital Abuja, Scholz stated, "There is a willingness to invest, especially in critical minerals." Regarding gas, he welcomed Nigeria's efforts to expand its liquefied natural gas capacity. Tinubu mentioned that he had "a very extensive discussion" on gas issues and encouraged German companies to invest in pipelines in Nigeria.
Nigeria is also seeking to attract investors to its mining sector, which has long been underperforming, contributing less than one percent to the country's GDP. Scholz mentioned, without providing details, that German companies also show interest in building railways in Nigeria. Currently, Chinese firms dominate this sector, having secured contracts to expand rail lines in Africa's largest economy.
Scholz also met with the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and noted the necessity of working with the group "to prevent coups from becoming the prevailing trend" following recent military coups in Niger and Gabon.
