Enang: Nigeria’s Skilled Workforce Can Help Bridge Germany’s Labour Gap

Michael Olugbode in Abuja has emphasized the growing pool of skilled young professionals in Nigeria as a chance to strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and Germany, particularly in technology, engineering, medicine, vocational training, and skilled migration. Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang, made this proposal during a ceremony marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary in Berlin on October 1, 2026.

Enang pointed out that Germany’s industrial prowess, skilled workforce, and existing skills shortage provided opportunities for qualified Nigerians to contribute to the country’s economy through suitable migration and employment routes. Enang highlighted that Nigeria possesses a large number of young, skilled, and talented citizens whose abilities could complement Germany’s workforce needs.

He stated, “This presents opportunities for young, skilled, and well-endowed citizens of the world to seek opportunities in the country. For Nigeria, this is preparation meeting opportunities.” Enang further explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is modernizing Nigeria’s education system to generate highly skilled professionals in medicine, engineering, technology, academia, and the creative sectors.

He explained that the government is developing specialized institutions and transforming existing ones to focus on professionalism, entrepreneurship, and skills enhancement. Enang stressed that these engaged citizens are already active in Nigeria’s labor market and available for Germany’s economy. He called for increased cooperation between Nigeria and Germany in green energy, technological innovation, infrastructure, education, the creative industry, skilled circular migration, and vocational training.

Enang described Germany as a reliable development partner, stating that both nations share a long-standing relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, democratic principles, and common economic interests. He noted that over the years, Nigeria and Germany have deepened their partnership through trade, investment, energy transition, educational exchanges, and sustainable development.

Enang affirmed Nigeria's commitment to nurturing this partnership and strengthening it further by expanding collaboration in emerging sectors. He also recognized the invaluable contributions of Nigerians residing in Germany and across Europe, describing them as "proud ambassadors" of their home country. Enang urged Nigerians living abroad to stay united, law-abiding, and committed to positively impacting Nigeria and their host communities.

He reiterated Nigeria's commitment to multilateralism, African unity, regional security, and socioeconomic integration by engaging with international organizations like the United Nations, African Union, World Trade Organisation, and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Enang praised the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Germany, expressing optimism that deeper bilateral collaboration would generate more opportunities for both countries.

He quoted President Tinubu's Independence Day speech, emphasizing the importance of focusing on Nigeria's future with confidence and determination. Enang concluded his remarks by toasting the enduring friendship between Nigeria and Germany, African unity, and Nigeria's continued growth and development, declaring, "Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! Long live the Federal Republic of Germany! Long live African Unity!"