Germany Pledge 47.6m Euro to Nigeria For Special Projects

Germany has pledged to commit of 47.6 million Euros to support Nigeria in some key areas in 2016.

The money, according to the country, would be used to spur technical cooperation, programmes and special project.

The Leader of the German delegation Mrs. Renate von Boddien, said on Thursday, at meeting of Nigeria- Germany Consultations on Development Cooperation hosted by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning in Abuja.

According to Mrs Boddien, Germany undertakes to provide the government of Nigeria, a new commitment in the areas of bilateral technical cooperation and special project.

The special project, she said would cover tackling root causes of displacement and reintegration of refugees.

The assistance would also cover 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 and the special funding line is 19.9 million Euros.

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).

The technical cooperation was commissioned by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and was being co-financed by the European Union.

It 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 said that the other areas Germany was 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, commended German Government for its support to Nigeria.