July 24, 2026 | Abuja
Germany has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul pledging closer security cooperation and €10 million in aid for displaced communities.
Wadephul made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja after talks with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
*Security Support Amid Sahel Crisis*
The German Foreign Minister said the spillover from the Sahel region was “increasingly threatening all coastal states in the region” and described Nigeria as being “on the front line in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.”
“Germany stands with Nigeria in this fight,” Wadephul said, noting that militant groups linked to Islamic State and al Qaeda in the Sahel have expanded their presence in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said sustained international partnerships were essential to addressing terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime in West Africa.
*€10m Humanitarian Pledge*
As part of Germany’s support, Wadephul announced €10 million, about $11.4 million, for 2026 to support the return and reintegration of people displaced from communities once controlled by Boko Haram and IS-linked militants.
The funds are expected to target recovery in the North-East and other affected areas.
*Economic Ties Also On Agenda*
The two ministers also discussed expanding economic ties. Wadephul, on his first visit to Nigeria, described the country as a “key strategic partner” for Germany, citing its role as West Africa’s largest economy and a leading force in ECOWAS.
He said bilateral trade grew by about 10% last year, with Nigeria remaining Germany’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. More than 100 German companies currently operate in Nigeria.
*Broader Context*
Germany’s backing comes days after President Tinubu approved an expansion of the Nigerian Army to 12 divisions with 28,000 new recruits, as part of efforts to bolster security operations nationwide.
The German delegation also attended the African Telecommunications Union Conference in Abuja this week, where African ICT ministers met to set the continent’s digital agenda.
