...Tuggar pledges support for Nigerian-German Investment and Cultural Expo in BerlinBy Palma Ileye
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has pledged the Ministry’s backing for the Nigerian-German Investment and Cultural Expo (NGICE 2025), describing the initiative as a timely support mechanism for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment and promote Nigeria’s cultural identity on the international stage.
Tuggar made this known during a high-level engagement with the Association of Nigerians in Germany, the Nigerian-German Investment Cultural Services, and other organisers of the forthcoming Expo, led by Sir Mike Okiro CFR, IGP (Rtd.), who is the chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Expo which is scheduled to take place in Berlin in October 2025.
According to the Minister, the Expo represents more than just a cultural showcase — it reflects the depth of Nigeria’s bilateral relations with Germany and supports the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda by opening doors for investment, trade, and cultural diplomacy.
“Germany and Nigeria have a long-standing relationship based on mutual respect and productive cooperation,” the minister said, recalling his time as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany.
“Anything involving Germany is close to me personally, and I welcome this initiative as part of the cultural and economic renaissance we’re witnessing under President Tinubu.”
While clarifying that sectoral responsibilities would remain with the relevant Ministries, particularly Culture and Tourism as well as Trade and Investment, Tuggar assured that the Foreign Affairs Ministry is fully prepared to offer diplomatic support, especially in the area of visa facilitation for those travelling to participate in the Expo.
“We are ready to play our part. In terms of visas and diplomatic clearance, there should be no difficulty from our side,” he stated, encouraging the organisers to maintain close coordination with the German Embassy in Nigeria.
Tuggar also noted Germany’s consistent openness in cultural matters, pointing to events such as the 2019 Nigeria Cultural Day in Berlin and recent cooperation on the return of looted artefacts, including the Benin bronzes.
“Germany has always shown a willingness to engage sincerely on cultural issues. This makes Berlin a fitting location for an event of this nature,” he added.
A Platform for Cultural Diplomacy and Investment
Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the Salute Nigeria Initiative and Coordinator of the Expo, Ambassador Chielo Ojirika also known as Chiboy D’Black Courage, Nigerian Cultural Ambassador to Germany who is the first Nigerian and African artist to top the Top Ten internet music chart in Germany in 2001, said the Expo is being designed as a strategic platform to attract foreign direct investment and promote the country’s diverse cultural and business opportunities.
“NGICE 2025 aims to bring the world to Berlin for Nigeria. We are presenting Nigeria as an investor’s paradise, a country full of untapped opportunities in trade, agriculture, fashion, technology, and culture,” Ojirika said.
He explained that the Expo will feature exhibitions, investment showcases, business forums, and roundtable sessions involving investors, financial institutions, CEOs, and public-private sector leaders. Other activities will include cultural displays, networking sessions, and guided visits to relevant companies and institutions in Germany.
“We are not just promoting investment. We are also showcasing Nigeria’s soft power—our culture, our people, and our potential,” he added.
Sir Mike Okiro, in his remarks, emphasized that Nigeria’s potential goes far beyond oil and gas.
“Nigeria is not only blessed with oil and gas,” he said. “We have so many other potentials, agriculture, creativity, talent, natural resources, that other continents need to tap into. NGICE 2025 is the gateway to presenting these opportunities to the world.”
Ojirika expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its support and reaffirmed the commitment of organisers to deliver an event that meets international standards and furthers Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic goals.
As preparations for NGICE 2025 advance, stakeholders remain optimistic that the Expo will serve as a high-impact engagement that fosters stronger ties between Nigeria and Germany, enhances investor confidence, and projects Nigeria’s global image in line with the policy direction of President Tinubu’s administration.
