October 29, (THEWILL) – The visit to Nigeria by the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has re-ignited calls for the return of the German automobile giant, Volkswagen, to the country .
Volkswagen exited the country a few years ago but has promised to make a come-back if the Nigeria’s Automotive Policy Bill is signed into law and the poor quality of fuels available in the country is improved upon.
The return of VW, among others, is therefore expected to be top on the agenda for deliberations during the visit.
Chairperson and Managing Director, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA), Martina Biene, who also oversees Volkswagen’s operations in Africa, had confirmed to THEWILL in June that Volkswagen would soon return to Nigeria .
Biene, who was recently elected President of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), spoke with THEWILL on the sidelines of the Sub-Saharan Africa Media Event organised by VWSA in South Africa.
Last month, CEO of AAAM, Dave Coffey, who was in Lagos on a working visit, also disclosed that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are very much interested in Nigeria.
Coffey, who has been working with Nigerian stakeholders over the years to ensure that the country’s Auto Policy sees the light of the day, said he was more confident than before that the Nigeria Automotive Policy Bill would be signed into law.
“OEMs remain very interested in Nigeria – we need certainty of policy that has been passed into law and effectively implemented; this includes the required vehicle, fuel and parts standards to support investments,” Coffey had said, adding, “Nigeria has a key hub assembler role to play in Africa; it is important that the Nigerian private sector is aware of and in support of the continental strategy and gets on the AfCFTA auto stage. The strategy was well received……For the first time in a number of years, I am optimistic that the current (Automotive Policy) Bill will be passed into law and implemented.”
Other areas of discussions during Olaf Scholz’s visit will also include oil and gas supplies from Nigeria to bridge the energy crisis created in Germany by the lingering Russia – Ukraine war.
Germany is also said to be interested in labour that is abundant in Nigeria to fill the gap being created by Germany’s ageing workforce.
Scholz’s arrival in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, Sunday, 29 October, on a two-day official visit, makes the German leader the first president or head of state to visit Africa’s largest economy since the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu on May 29.
The visit will also be the German leader’s third trip to sub-Saharan Africa in two years thus underscoring the importance Germany gives to the African continent.
The recent visit is therefore another proof of the importance the German Government places in Nigeria’s role in the African region and globally.
In a statement, the German Government noted that the visit of Chancellor Olaf Scholz is aimed to strengthen Germany’s bilateral relations with Nigeria.
“With diplomatic relations spanning over 60 years, Germany and Nigeria have a warm and long standing relationship. They are natural partners as both are the strongest economy and the most populous country on their respective continents, ” the statement read in part .
The German Government stressed that the visit intends to accentuate Germany’s appreciation for its strong partnership with Nigeria over the years.
Germany started returning some Benin bronzes to Nigeria last year and has been promoting bilateral cultural relationships with Nigeria.
Scholz is scheduled to meet with President Tinubu and the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, in Abuja on arrival this Sunday. .
He will then proceed to Lagos on Monday where he is expected to headline a Nigeria-German Business Conference organised by the Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce .
He will also interface with representatives of Nigerian civil society as well as with Nigerian start-up entrepreneurs before embarking on a guided tour of Lagos city to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the megacity and Nigeria’s commercial capital.
The visiting German Chancellor will be accompanied by a delegation of high-ranking German business people including CEOs of some of the highest-valued German companies.
A cultural delegation will also be part of the visit which is also geared towards intensifying the relations in the economic and cultural sectors and exploring opportunities for investment in Nigeria.
THEWILL recalls that last month, Germany made a significant commitment of 81 million euros, equivalent to approximately $85.9 million, to support ECOWAS in its endeavours to promote peace-building and foster economic development within the region.
About the Author
Olaolu OLUSINA is the Editor, THEWILL Newspaper.
