German chamber of commerce to visit Nigeria to explore partnership opportunities

The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) of Giessen-Friedberg has announced plans to visit Nigeria in November to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.

Matthias Leder, chief executive officer (CEO) of the chamber, spoke at a virtual news conference on Thursday, also attended by Lai Muhammed, Nigeria’s former minister of information and managing partner of Bruit Costaud, a public relations firm.Leder said the visit would run from November 2 to November 14, reaffirming IHK’s longstanding commitment to strengthening vocational training, institutional development, and private sector cooperation with Nigeria.He said the engagement comes after two decades of sustained partnership between the IHK and key Nigerian institutions in promoting youth skills development, entrepreneurship, and international business collaboration.

“Since 2005, IHK Giessen-Friedberg has worked closely with Nigerian chambers and associations to expand the quality and reach of vocational training, resulting in measurable impacts on youth employment, technical education, and business competitiveness,” the chamber president said.

“This enduring relationship has grown significantly in recent years—thanks to the pivotal role played by Nigeria’s former minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, whose leadership helped elevate the cooperation to a new strategic level.“Over the past two years alone, IHK Giessen-Friedberg has undertaken two official missions annually to Nigeria.”The chamber president said the planned November visit aims to consolidate the gains achieved so far and explore opportunities to scale up the partnership — both in scale and in scope.

He said discussions are scheduled with senior government officials, including the ministries of labour and employment, youth and development, and the education ministry.

The chamber is also expected to hold talks with the ministries of budget and economic planning; industry, trade and investment, as well as the foreign affairs.

Leder said the IHK project partners in Nigeria include the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

Others, he noted, are the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigerian-German Business Association (NGBA), and the Ogun Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCIMA).

Leder added that the partnership between IHK Giessen-Friedberg and Nigeria promotes sustainable development through skills training, entrepreneurship, and economic growth, serving as a model for international cooperation.

German chamber of commerce to visit Nigeria to explore partnership opportunities | TheCable