By Mercy Aikoye
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called on the government of Germany through the German Bundestag (Parliament) to support Nigeria in its quest to achieve adequate security, energy sufficiency, agriculture and gender inclusivity.
He said the listed areas are among the focal areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, as well as the 10th House’s legislative agenda.
The Speaker made the call when he hosted some members of the German Bundestag accompanied by the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Annett Gunther in Abuja on Monday.
The Speaker, who was responding to questions as to what areas of needs he would want members of German Parliament to elicit support from their government for Nigeria, stated that security is one very key area that requires the “support of our friends.” He said insecurity in the country has taken much resources and governance time, with its multifaceted implications on infrastructure and food security.
He said energy is another area of concern to ensure that Nigeria achieves economic stability through industrialization and physical development, which the country could collaborate with Germany to achieve given the latter’s vast experience in energy development and utilization.
Speaker Abbas called on Germany to support Nigeria with technical expertise in its bid to achieve stable electricity supply and aslo help with initiatives aimed at sensitizing the Nigerian public to support gender related legislations in the ongoing alteration of Nigeria’s constitution.
The delegation led by Mr. Stephen Roundholf had earlier informed the Speaker that the visit was important because Nigeria is not just the largest country in Africa in terms of population, but the largest economy on the continent. According to him, Germany also being the largest economy in Europe, shares common characteristics with Nigeria, noting that the relationship between the two countries needed to be strengthened.
