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Promoting Enugu-German Partnership
Consul General Börner and Governor Peter Mbah, © Enugu State Government 2024
In August 2024, the German Consul General, Mr. Weert Börner, led a German business delegation to Enugu State in order to increase collaboration in sectors such as energy, agriculture, trade and investment. This delegation was made up of representatives from AHK (Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria), GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation) and Siemens Energy Nigeria Limited.
The German business delegation met with the Enugu State Governor, Mr. Peter Mbah at the Government House in Enugu, together with specific Executive Council Members from the Ministries of Trade and Industry, Energy and Agriculture. According to the German Consul General, the German Government has decided to intensify cooperation with specific states in the southern part of Nigeria – Enugu State being one.
Governor Peter Mbah assured of Enugu’s readiness to partner with German investors. He stated that through private sector investments and international cooperation, his administration’s goal of a $30 billion GDP was attainable. The governor assured the German government and businesses of the immense investment opportunities within the state. The delegation was also taken on a tour of the Lion Business Park and 9th Mile Water Scheme.
On the second day, Mr. Weert Börner delivered a public lecture at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) titled “German-Nigerian Cooperation in the Global Energy Transition”. He enjoined the Nigerian government and individuals to look into investment in renewable energy, which would not only protect the environment but also create new job opportunities. He highlighted the two major focuses of Germany’s energy partnership with Nigeria. Firstly, the German government seeks to support Nigeria in building renewable energy sources, not only from solar but also wind, biomass and hydropower. Secondly, it aims to help Nigeria in the improvement of the energy grid system.
The Consul General pointed out that gas could be systematically used to replace the largest source of energy in Nigeria, which is the decentralized generators running on petrol or diesel. These sources of energy are major contributors to global warming. Representing the State Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia, said that Enugu State had launched geo-mapping efforts to evaluate the commercial potential of her natural gas. According to Prof. Onyia, what the Enugu State Government is trying to do through the policy direction of the Governor Mbah, and the Enugu State Electricity Law, is to open an electricity market that harnesses opportunities for investors to enter into the scene and set up generation companies. He added that partnership between the German Government and Enugu State will help with technical capacity for the new electricity regulatory commission and other aspects towards building the economy.