Tinubu of Nigeria and Merz of Germany discuss security and power in a phone conversation

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz engaged in a phone conversation to explore ways to enhance collaboration on security, power, and infrastructure, as reported by Tinubu’s office on Thursday.

During a nine-minute call on Wednesday, the two leaders engaged in a discussion about revitalizing a halted presidential electricity project in Nigeria that involves the German conglomerate Siemens, as well as Nigeria’s acquisition of used German helicopters.

Tinubu informed Merz that Nigeria required assistance to enhance its power-transmission network, according to the president’s office.

An agreement made in 2019 with Siemens focused on rehabilitating transmission lines and power distribution substations, with funding from German banks. The goal was to attain 7,000 MW of reliable power by 2021 and 11,000 MW by 2023. Nonetheless, it has encountered challenges related to regulation, logistics, and financing.

Merz stated that Siemens would complete the work and that Deutsche Bank was prepared to finance it, according to a statement from Tinubu’s office.

Tinubu also requested that Germany provide used helicopters to enhance reconnaissance and intelligence operations in the Sahel, where escalating insecurity is advancing south toward coastal West Africa.

Nigeria and Germany have maintained diplomatic relations for 65 years.

The two leaders reached an agreement to expand collaboration in rail transport, creative industries, and skills development. According to the statement, Merz supported the plans for a Museum of African arts, though no further details were provided.