By Nkechi Eze
Germany has described Nigeria as a key partner in promoting peace and security in West Africa, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation with the country.
The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stefan Rossel, stated this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
According to an official statement signed by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, Rossel acknowledged Nigeria’s strategic role in promoting regional stability, describing the country as an anchor of stability in the West African sub-region.
The Ambassador also expressed Germany’s appreciation for its longstanding relationship with Nigeria, assuring that his country remained committed to protecting and deepening the bilateral partnership through mutually beneficial projects and initiatives, particularly in the defence and security sectors.
He said sustained cooperation between both countries would create further opportunities to strengthen their existing relationship.
The meeting also featured a briefing by the German Technical Advisory Group (G-TAG) on the progress and impact of its ongoing training support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), particularly in enhancing military professionalism, technical competence and operational capacity.
Responding, Oluyede appreciated the German Government for its continued partnership and support to the Nigerian military, highlighting G-TAG’s contributions to the development of the Mechatronics School, Combat Tactical Care Training and Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices Training.
He also acknowledged Germany’s other capacity-building initiatives and material support to the Armed Forces.
The CDS called for the expansion of existing defence cooperation, particularly in specialised military training and professional development, urging Germany to provide more opportunities for strategic and advanced courses for Nigerian military personnel.
He said such opportunities would further strengthen the professional competencies and operational effectiveness of officers and soldiers.
Oluyede assured the Ambassador of the Armed Forces’ readiness to consolidate the existing partnership and explore additional areas of cooperation to address evolving security challenges and advance the shared defence and security interests of both countries.
