President Bola Tinubu has admitted that Nigeria is far behind in the committee of thriving economies, especially regarding development indices relating to green energy and the environment.
He, however, assured that as President, he was determined to change the narrative and bring about a transformative government in the country.
Tinubu said this when he hosted the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Sunday.
He also ceased the forum to comment on the Supreme Court Judgement affirming his election as President, saying the court verdict has put paid to needless distraction from his political opponents.
“I know Germany has advanced a lot in protecting the environment and modernising energy to meet the 21st century needs both of the world and Europe in particular. Nigeria is still crawling, but we are determined to change the narrative and bring about a transformative government in the country,” Tinubu told the visiting German Chancellor.
Welcoming the delegation to Nigeria, Tinubu said, “It is a profound pleasure for me to welcome my friend Olaf Scholz to Nigeria. It is a joy to see you here at this particular period. It was just about a few days ago that the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria had the final say on our electoral exercise.
“The distraction is over. This gives us more time to focus on governance for the people and moving Nigeria forward for economic opportunities and prosperity that will defend democracy.
“In our last tete-a-tete, you promised that you would be visiting Nigeria and thank you and your delegation for keeping that promise. It is an honour for me to see you here”.
He said the business community in Nigeria is not averse to forging a partnership with Germany, which is one of the largest economies in Europe.
He reminded Scholz that Nigeria was also the largest economy in Africa, which is equally blessed with a good environment, time of weather and mineral resources.
“Our hydrocarbon industry is still fledging while moving towards the transition energy source.
“You are very welcome with your delegation to partner with us regarding education, power, mineral resources and all the other opportunities. We have gone a long way to bring about the security of our people.
“We’re fighting terrorism, and that is improving. We still need much support in that area. And to sustain democracy, the rule of law and freedom for our people, we need to fight for democracy. Democracy must always win for us to meet the expectations of an African dream. That is why your visit this time is more than necessary and welcome. I hope you will enjoy yourself.
“You will have noticed I don’t need to go about the various problems happening in the Sahel region of Africa. You’ve seen and noticed the coup in Guinea and recently in the Niger Republic.
“We had people diplomatically managing the situation. The need for you to help in that of security will be emphasised, and we will continue to require your knowledge. We thank you for your past contributions, particularly police law enforcement training. We need more help”.
The German Chancellor, Scholz, on his part, said Germany remains committed to democracy and the rule of law.
He noted that it was important for nations to make this a lifestyle, adding that it is good for a better future for our people.
“I’m thrilled that we can work on this discussion. Also, the question of how we can continue to support you in doing the best and having these insecurity questions in your country as well.
“We will go into the details later, but I can assure you that we will continue our support and our cooperation in this field. One of the main aspects of cooperation will be developing the economy and using the economic opportunities of your country.
“As you already said, there are a lot of chances not just from gas and oil, which is traditionally linked to your country, but there’s a lot of room for improvement and for better using the capacities of your country, but also for going into investments for the future, which is about hydrogen and all the things that are important for an economy that can produce all the necessary goods for the people without harming the environment,” Scholz told the Nigerian President.
