Abuja, February 19, 2026 – The Europe Today: Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a phone conversation on Wednesday to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of security, electricity and infrastructure, according to a statement from the Nigerian presidency.
During the nine-minute call, the two leaders focused on reviving a stalled presidential power initiative involving German industrial giant Siemens, as well as Nigeria’s interest in acquiring used German helicopters to bolster its security capabilities.
President Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s urgent need to upgrade its electricity transmission network. The Siemens-backed project stems from a 2019 agreement aimed at rehabilitating transmission lines and distribution substations across the country. The original plan targeted the delivery of 7,000 megawatts of reliable power by 2021 and 11,000 megawatts by 2023. However, the initiative has encountered regulatory, logistical and financing challenges.
Chancellor Merz assured President Tinubu that Siemens would proceed with the work. He also conveyed that Deutsche Bank stands ready to assist in financing the project, the Nigerian presidency said.
In addition to energy cooperation, President Tinubu requested German support in supplying used helicopters to enhance Nigeria’s reconnaissance and intelligence operations, particularly in the Sahel region, where rising insecurity has increasingly threatened stability across coastal West Africa.
The leaders further agreed to broaden cooperation in rail transport, creative industries and skills development, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening economic and technical collaboration.
Nigeria and Germany, which have maintained diplomatic relations for 65 years, also discussed cultural cooperation. Chancellor Merz expressed support for plans to establish a Museum of African Arts, though further details were not disclosed.
The call underscored both countries’ intention to reinvigorate strategic ties and expand partnership across critical sectors.
