The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has expressed confidence that the ongoing reforms initiated by the Federal Government will have a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy.
He made this statement while receiving a delegation from the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Giessen-Friedberg, Germany, in Abuja on Friday.
Senator Bagudu praised President Bola Tinubu for taking bold actions to improve the country’s economic situation, noting that the president had taken necessary risks to ensure Nigeria thrives.
The minister also commended the Dual Training/Apprenticeship Programme introduced by the CCI Giessen-Friedberg, describing it as timely. He noted that the programme would complement the government’s social investment and economic reforms.
“There cannot be a better time for this, as it will support the social investment programme and economic reforms of the government. Germany is the bedrock of the European Union, as Nigeria is the bedrock of ECOWAS,” Bagudu stated.
He further emphasized Germany’s success in sectors such as aluminium, construction, pharmaceuticals, and machinery manufacturing as beneficial to Nigeria.
Migration Agreement to Support Nigerian Youths
Bagudu also touched on the issue of legal migration, highlighting a previously signed migration agreement between Nigeria and Germany. This agreement aims to provide Nigerian youths with opportunities for migration based on choice, ensuring they become responsible global citizens.
According to the minister, this would help Nigerian migrants avoid criminal behavior in their host countries.
The minister stressed that part of his ministry’s mandate includes managing bilateral economic cooperation, development aids, and technical assistance programmes, adding that Nigeria is open to deepening its cooperation with Germany in any shape or form.
German Support for Nigerian Economic Reforms
During the visit, Dr. Matthias Leder, Chief Executive Officer of the CCI Giessen-Friedberg, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening ties between the Nigerian and German Chambers of Industries.
He underscored the importance of dual vocational training for young Nigerians, legal skills migration, and expanding rights for Nigerian workers abroad.
“We are here to strengthen the Nigerian Chambers of Industries, help with dual vocational training for young Nigerians, legal skills migration, and getting more rights,” Leder stated.
Leder explained that the Dual Vocational Training or Apprenticeship programme, which is currently operational in Ogun State, is one of Germany’s most successful models for post-secondary education.
He noted that half of Germany’s school leavers participate in these programmes, which combine classroom-based theoretical learning with practical, on-the-job training.
He also pointed out that the German government had relaxed immigration rules for European Union and European Free Trade Association (EU/EFTA) citizens, providing more opportunities for skilled foreign workers.
