Tinubu to Steinmeier: Our Business Doors Are Open, Our Reforms Working Very Well

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, assured his German counterpart, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, that Nigeria’s business doors were open and reforms of his administration were working well.

He also stressed his administration’s commitment to fostering a stronger and more rewarding partnership between Nigeria and Germany. 

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with the German President, at the State House, Abuja, the president emphasised the importance of building robust relationship beneficial to both countries.

“It was a very good bilateral discussion. I could see from the previous meeting, earlier today that our businessmen and policy makers are very anxious to do business with Germany.

“Mine is to continue to give you assurances that our business doors are open and reforms are working very well. These business ranking, that’s what we have discussed. 

Tinubu  highlighted Nigeria’s openness to international business partnerships and assured him that ongoing economic reforms were designed to create a favorable environment for foreign investments. 

He noted the readiness of both Nigerian and German policymakers as well as business leaders to deepen collaboration, evidenced by prior engagements earlier in the day.

Tinubu also underscored his government’s efforts to enhance business rankings and create frameworks for mutual prosperity. 

He expressed optimism about strengthening both people-to-people connections and government-level facilitation of economic opportunities.

Speaking further at a joint press conference at the end of the bilateral meetings, Tinubu said, “We plan to strengthen the relationship and build partnership that is fulfilling and rewarding to the two countries, people-to-people relationship, and government-to-government facilitation of opportunities and prosperity.”

President Steinmeier, on his part, lauded the ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria, commended Tinubu’s leadership and the citizens’ for their perseverance.

The German president, who spoke both in the English and German languages, pledged support for the Nigerian government to further boost the nation’s economy and cushion the effects of the economic challenges confronting the country.

Steinmeier recalled the German experience on previous economic crisis and identified courage and perseverance as boosters for realising economic transformation in any nation of the world.

“It is not easy. It was the experience in Germany many years ago, when Germany was in a deep economic crisis. You need a lot of courage and perseverance that would be to the benefit of your country 

“I and everybody in German politics are following your courageous steps and we will support you. Germany will support you on the ongoing reforms in Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier, Tinubu had said the interest and welfare of the citizens in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger remained priority for leaders of ECOWAS, assuring his visitors that wisdom and diplomacy would make the difference in reintegrating the countries into the commission. 

Tinubu noted that the leadership of the three countries had been reluctant in bringing out transition programmes with clear dates.

“Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries. What I can assure you is that we will not give tolerance to unconstitutional government. 

“We will continue to lead by example. We have innocent citizens, who are victims of the military. We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing the innocent people.

“We will continue to allow free movement and trade. Though the transition programme is not sure or certain, we will not punish the innocent citizens; they are not in possession of power,” he said.

He told the German leader that the regional body would leave her door open for the return of democracy in the countries.

“This is what ECOWAS will stand for. Whatever is happening in the countries, we are mindful of the wellbeing of the citizens. I don’t want to personalise issues as ECOWAS Chairman. We will leave the door for collaboration,” the president added. 

Responding, the German President said the re-integration of the three countries would have significant impact on the economy and security of the West Coast.

“We will talk bilateral and regional issues. We just had a meeting with the President of ECOWAS Commission. We know how important it is to have regional cooperation. We are part of the European Union.

“For Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, there are serious security and economic consequences for not carrying on together. We understand why ECOWAS security members are insisting on diplomacy.

“It is not easy but you will need to use your diplomacy to keep the commission and the region together. 

“While you are using diplomatic means to bring Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to rethink their position, you should have emergency plans in place for future economic cooperation,” the German president advised.

 Deji Elumoye

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