Angela Merkel & President Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja said his administration
will always uphold the sanctity of the rule of law in governing the
country, while assuring German Chancellor Angel Merkel that all
agreements will be fully respected.
President Buhari received the German Chancellor, who was
accompanied by top government officials and a business delegation, at
the Presidential Villa.
In his remarks during a bilateral meeting, the President said unity
and harmony in every society can only be preserved by observing the
rule of law, and ensuring that agreements reached in good faith are
followed through to the mutual benefit of countries.
President Buhari told Chancellor Merkel and members of her
delegation that the rule of law embodies all the rightful mechanisms for
conflict resolution, both within the country, and in dealing with all
foreign partners, assuring that his administration remains focused on
delivering a peaceful, economically viable and politically stable polity
to all Nigerians.
The President said Nigeria remains grateful to the German government for the fair treatment of migrants.
President Buhari said Nigeria looks forward to improving its trade
figures with Germany, which had taken strong interest in investing in
the country and supporting the government in providing effective
services in security, education and creation of jobs.
The President said his administration instituted reforms in the
economy to make it more internationally attractive and business friendly
for investors, noting that infrastructure development had been a
priority, especially in power supply, road and rail constructions.
President Buhari said the economy was already responding to the
diversification reforms and the stimulus of the government as growth is
now largely driven by the non-oil sector.
The President said Nigeria was politically stable, urging German investors to take advantage of the friendly climate.
“I enjoin you to invest in Nigeria because this is the best time to do so,’’ he added.
President Buhari noted that the successful political transitions
since 1999 were clear indications of the country’s stability and
preparedness to welcome more investments that will bolster the economy.
In her remarks at the meeting, Chancellor Merkel said Germany is
prepared to further strengthen bilateral and business relations with
Nigeria, which, according to her, controls 60 per cent of ECOWAS
economy.
The German Chancellor said the population growth and opportunities
in the economy can always be explored to improve employment situation in
the country.
Chancellor Merkel said the three Memoranda of Understanding signed
during the visit represent a starting point for a healthier and deeper
partnership with Nigeria in areas of security, trade, immigration and
education.
The Federal Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with
Volkswagen of South Africa for the manufacturing of Volkswagen vehicles
in Nigeria, while Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for
Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL Plc) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
with Petkus Technologies GMBH for the supply of seed and grain
processing machines.
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines
and Agriculture also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with German
African Business Association on fostering trade and investment.
*Press Statement
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