Germany pledges 47.6million Euros support to Nigeria

The German government has said that it has earmarked €47.6 million to support Nigeria in the 2016 technical cooperation, programmes and special project initiatives.

According to a statement on Thursday the 6th of October from the Ministry of Budget and National Planning in Abuja, the news of Germany’s support for Nigeria was announced by Mrs. Renate Von Boddien, the leader of the German delegation, at a meeting of Nigeria- Germany consultations on development cooperation.

The statement which was signed by the Ministry’s Director of Information, Adedeji Ajibade, reported Boddien as saying that the decision by the German government to provide support to Nigeria was designed to tackle the root causes of displacement.

It stated that the fund would also assist in the re-integration of refugees and the realisation of the “One World – No Hunger – Green Innovation”, and would also strengthen the support of the Green Innovation Centre for the Agriculture and Food Sector.

It further explained that €22.6 million of the fund was allocated for bilateral technical cooperation.

Boddien said that €19.9million would be channeled to special initiatives to tackle the root causes of displacement and reintegrating of refugees.

According to her, €6million will be dedicated to special initiatives for the “One-World-No Hunger Project”.

The statement reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to stay engaged in the priority areas of sustainable economic growth, Nigerian energy support programme and technical cooperation.

According to it, the “Technical Cooperation (TC) is being implemented through the pro-poor growth and employment promotion in Nigeria programme”.

The TC was commissioned by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development and co-financed by the European Union.

The overall objectives of technical cooperation is to increase employment and income generation for micro, small and medium sized enterprises in Niger, Ogun and Plateau states.

Other areas Germany is planning to also commit funds are the North –East humanitarian support for the plight of the internally displaced persons and the fight against Polio disease.

The statement added that the corporation would also provide support for technical and vocational education and training to provide innovative skills for the Nigerian Youth.

According to the statement, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, commended Germany for its support to Nigeria.

He told the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Schlag Heck, that Nigeria was working hard to diversify the economy through agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing and development of processing zones.

The minister urged German investors to invest in Nigeria and create jobs to ensure development, adding that government had provided enabling environment for investors in Nigeria.

[NAN]