Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, has stated that talents from Nigeria and other African countries are needed in Germany, but in a manner that is consistent with the visa process.
Scholz made this statement on Sunday during his reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with President Bola Tinubu and his entourage in response to the Nigerian government’s purported refusal to receive more than 12,000 Nigerians who were ineligible for Germany’s asylum programme and in danger of being deported.
“The first is yes, there is a need, in Germany, for people that have talent and that want to work in our country in a way that is a regular path for migrants,” Scholz said.
“We are working intensely in this field, and we want to make more progress and get things agreed in detail.
“The second part of this is also an agreement that those who do not have the right to stay in my country can and should go back.
“But this is where cooperation is also important; we will do so and it will be an important aspect of our work together”, he added.
Speaking about the return of Nigerians who could not qualify for asylum in Germany, Tinubu revealed that both nations were attempting to regularise the stay of individuals who were economic refugees.
“We have a programme to work in partnership to really ensure normal migration and deepen the relationship in that area. I’m not making any demands; if they are Nigerian citizens, they are Nigerian citizens, and they are welcome back home.
“Nothing should send them away; we are ready to enter into a partnership to improve the migration situation. Other young and vibrant people can go through the process according to the immigration law of the country to be accepted, as long as they are of good behaviour and good character.
“We are ready to work together in that direction,” Tinubu said.
Nigeria is one of Germany’s strongest allies in Africa. In sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is Germany’s second-largest commercial partner, with cooperation in the energy industry a priority for bilateral economic ties. The restoration and development of electricity production in Nigeria, particularly through the use of renewable energy sources and increased energy efficiency, as well as the increased involvement of German businesses in utilising Nigeria’s energy resources, are the key priority areas.