By Tony Obiechina, ABUJA
The German Government has announced a 70 million Euros (N27.8 billion) grant to the Nigerian Government to assist the country in achieving the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (2017-2020).
Head of the German Delegation, Mr Christoph Rauh made the announcement at the signing of Agreed Minutes of the 2019 Consultations between the two countries in Abuja on Friday.
Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba signed the Development Cooperation Agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Head of the German Delegation signed for his country.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of State commended the German Government for its continuous support to Nigeria since independence in 1960.
Prince Agba said, “It is essential to note that we have both had a long standing bilateral development cooperation based on trust since 1960. I commend the commitment and untiring efforts of the German Government in this project.
“I understand that at the 2017 meeting, far reaching decisions were taken which culminated in the signing of the Agreed Minutes between the two countries. I have also been briefed that progress has been made in the implementation of the programs and projects as contained in the Agreed Minutes”.
The Minister of State said he was happy that the consultation meeting held on Thursday and Friday in Abuja provided a platform for a coordinated approach to economic cooperation between the two countries.
According to him, ” the meeting also considered and finalized the draft agreement on the additional projects the German Government intends to implement in Nigeria, going forward”, adding, “we must therefore make necessary efforts to ensure that the opportunities offered by these interventions and other similar initiatives are not misplaced”.
In his remarks, Head of the German Delegation, Mr Rauh said his country’s intervention is geared towards sustainable economic development; power/energy; tackling root causes of displacement as well as peace and security.
Rauh who was accompanied by the Country Director of German Cooperation, GIZ, Ms Ina Homers, during the signing ceremony, disclosed that the project will be co-financed by the European Commission.
