A high-level delegation from Germany’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in Giessen-Friedberg is set to visit Nigeria from November 2 to 14 in a renewed effort to expand bilateral cooperation and boost private-sector development between both nations.
The announcement was made by Matthias Leder, Chief Executive Officer of IHK Giessen-Friedberg, during a virtual press briefing also attended by Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s former Minister of Information and the Managing Partner of the public relations firm, Bruit Costaud.
Leder highlighted that the upcoming visit would build upon nearly two decades of collaboration between IHK and Nigerian institutions—focusing on vocational training, youth empowerment, and industrial growth.
“Since 2005, our partnership with Nigerian chambers and business associations has strengthened technical education and entrepreneurship, creating tangible progress in youth employment and business competitiveness,” Leder said.
He emphasized that this longstanding cooperation has expanded notably in recent years, crediting Lai Mohammed for playing a crucial role in advancing the partnership to a more strategic level.
Over the past two years, IHK Giessen-Friedberg has led two annual trade missions to Nigeria, deepening its engagement with key players across industries.
The forthcoming November visit, Leder explained, will focus on scaling up joint initiatives in vocational training, institutional development, and industrial innovation. Discussions will involve senior government officials from the Ministries of Labour and Employment, Youth and Development, Education, Budget and Planning, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Foreign Affairs.
Key Nigerian collaborators include the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian-German Business Association (NGBA), and the Ogun Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCIMA).
According to Leder, the partnership between IHK Giessen-Friedberg and Nigerian institutions continues to serve as a model for sustainable international cooperation, driving skills development, entrepreneurship, and economic growth across both countries.
