President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and Germany, with a focus on security, power and railway development.

The commitment was made during a telephone conversation on Wednesday afternoon, lasting approximately nine minutes, according to the Nigerian presidency.

In a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday said both leaders also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the creative arts and skills development.

During the call, President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s need for support in electricity transmission under the Presidential Power Initiative. Chancellor Merz said German engineering firm Siemens would be ready to assist, while Deutsche Bank was prepared to provide financing for the project.

The two leaders also discussed security challenges in the Sahel region. President Tinubu called for intelligence and reconnaissance support, including the provision of used helicopters.

“The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support reconnaissance is needed,” Mr Tinubu was quoted as saying.

Nigeria and Germany have maintained diplomatic relations for 65 years.

Chancellor Merz said Germany was looking forward to the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador in Berlin. He also emphasised the importance of cultural collaboration and advocated the establishment of a Great Museum of African Arts.

The conversation began at 14:01 local time and concluded at approximately 14:10, the statement said.