Bagudu meets German delegation, says FG’s reforms will improve Nigeria’s economy

Abubakar Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning, says the ongoing reforms by the federal government would improve the country’s economy.

The minister spoke on Friday when he received a delegation from the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Giessen-Friedberg, Germany, at his office in Abuja.

Bagudu said some risks were taken by President Bola Tinubu to make the country work well.

He described the dual training/apprenticeship programme of the CCI Geissen-Friedberg, as a welcome development.

“There cannot be a better time for this, as it will support the social investment programme and economic reforms of the government,” he said.

“Germany is the bedrock of the European Union, as Nigeria is the bedrock of ECOWAS, Germany is one of the success stories in Nigeria in the provision of aluminium, construction, pharmaceuticals, machinery and equipment manufacturing expertise.”

On the issue of legal migration, the minister said a migration agreement was signed between both countries some time ago, allowing Nigerian youths to migrate out of choice and be global citizens.

He said the agreement would help them avoid criminal conduct in their host countries.

Bagudu said one of the mandates of the ministry entailed the management of bilateral economic cooperation.

The minister added that it includes development aids and technical assistance programmes.

According to Bagudu, the ministry was willing to work with Germany in any way possible to achieve the goal.

He commended the German government for supporting the economic reforms of the federal government, urging other countries to do the same.

CCI TO STRENGTHEN GERMANY, NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC COLLABORATION

On his part, Matthias Leder, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the CCI Geissen-Friedberg, said the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the cooperation and collaboration between the German and Nigerian chambers of industries.

“We are here to strengthen the Nigerian Chambers of Industries, help with dual vocational training for young Nigerians, legal skills migration and getting more rights,” Leder said.

He added that the dual vocational training or apprenticeship programme was established by Germany, and is currently in operation in Ogun state for more Nigerians to take advantage of.

“The dual vocational training or apprenticeship is the most popular form of post-compulsory education in Germany as half of school leavers find their way to dual vocational training programmes,” Leder said.

“It entails theoretical instruction in the classroom and practical on-the-job work experience in the company providing training need skilled foreign workforce to replace its retiring baby boomer generation.”

Leder said Germany has relaxed its immigration rules for European Union/European Free Trade Association (EU/EFTA) citizens.