The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has disclosed its new commitment of 47.6 million Euros funding support available to Nigeria in 2016 for technical cooperation, programmes and special project initiatives.This was revealed by the Leader of the German delegation Mrs. Renate von Boddien, Thursday, October 6, 2016during a meeting of Nigeria- Germany Consultations on Development Cooperation hosted by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning in Abuja.
According to Mrs Boddien, the government of the Federal Republic of Germany undertakes to provide the government of Nigeria, a new commitment in the areas of bilateral technical cooperation and special project initiative in tackling root causes of displacement-reintegration of refugees and the ‘One World – No Hunger – Green Innovation’ to strengthen its support of the Green Innovation Center for the Agriculture and Food Sector.
She explained that; 22.6 million Euros is earmarked for bilateral technical cooperation, special funding lines of 19.9m Euros for special initiatives to tackle the root causes of displacement- reintegrating of refugees and 6 million Euros special initiatives for the ‘One World – No Hunger’ project initiated to strengthen its support of the Green Innovation Center for the Agriculture and Food Sector.
Boddien added that the German Government reaffirms its commitment to stay engaged in the priority areas of; sustainable economic growth, Nigerian energy support programme and technical cooperation.
According to her, the “Technical Cooperation is being implemented through the pro-poor growth and employment promotion in Nigeria programme (SEDIN), which was commissioned by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is co-financed by the European Union, the objectives of which is to increase employment and income generation for micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) in three states of Niger, Ogun and Plateau”
She further disclosed that, the other areas Germany is planning to also commit funds are; North –East Humanitarian support for the plight of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the fight against Polio disease and support for technical and vocational education and training to provide innovative skills for the Nigerian Youth.
Earlier, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, while commending the German Government for its support to Nigeria, told the German Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Schlag Heck that, the Government of Nigeria is working hard to diversify the economy and stimulate growth through agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing and development of processing zones.
The Minister urged German Investors to invest in Nigeria and create jobs which will ensure development and contribution to our inclusive growth, adding that, the government has provided enabling environment for investors in Nigeria.
Adedeji Ajibade
Director (Information)
