President Bola Tinubu has described Nigeria as ‘a crawling country in the committee of thriving economies’, especially in terms of development indices relating to green energy and the environment.
He however assured that as President, he was determined to change the narrative and bring about a transformative government in the country.
Tinubu, who played host to the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Sunday, also commented on the Supreme Court judgement which affirmed his election as President, saying the court verdict has put paid to needless distraction from his political opponents.
“I know Germany has advanced a lot in protecting the environment and modernising energy to meet the 21st century needs both of the world and Europe in particular. Nigeria is still crawling, but we are determined to change the narrative and bring about a transformative government in the country,” Tinubu told the visiting German Chancellor.
Welcoming the delegation to Nigeria, Tinubu said, “It is a profound pleasure for me to welcome my friend Olaf Scholz to Nigeria. It is a joy to see you here. At this particular period of time. It is just about a few days ago that the Supreme Court of Federal Republic of Nigeria had a final say on our electoral exercise.
“The distraction is over. This gives us more time to focus on governance for the people and moving Nigeria forward for economic opportunities and prosperity that will defend democracy.
“In our last tete-a-tete, you made a promise that you will be visiting Nigeria and thank you and your delegation for keeping that promise. It is an honor for me to see you here”.
He said the business community in Nigeria is not averse to forging partnership with Germany being one of the largest economy in Europe.
He reminded Scholz that Nigeria was also the largest economy in Africa which is equally blessed with good environment, time of weather and mineral resources.
“Our hydrocarbon industry is still fledging environmentally while we are moving towards the transition energy source.
“You are very welcome with your delegation to partner with us in terms of education, power, mineral resources and all the other opportunities. We have gone a long way to bring about security of our people.
“We’re fighting terrorism and that is improving. We still need much support in that area. And for us to be able to sustain democracy, rule of law and freedom for our people, we need to fight for democracy. Democracy must win at all times for us to meet the expectation of an African dream. That is why your visit this time around is more than necessary and welcome. I hope you will enjoy yourself.
“You will have noticed, I don’t need to go about the various problems happening in the Sahel region of Africa. You’ve seen and noticed the coup in Guinea and recently in Niger republic.
“We had people diplomatically managing the situation. The need for you to help in that of security will be empahsised and we will continue to require your knowledge. We thank you for the past contributions, particularly police, law enforcement training. We need more help.”
The German Chancellor, Scholz on his part said Germany remains committed to democracy and the rule of law.
