LAGOS, Nigeria (FN) — Germany’s new Consul General in Lagos, Daniel Krull, has pledged to strengthen bilateral ties with Nigeria, focusing on economic, cultural and academic cooperation.
Krull, who assumed office in August, made the remarks Monday during a news conference at the German Consulate. He described Lagos as Nigeria’s economic hub and said his previous posting as Germany’s ambassador to Ghana had prepared him for the role.
A key priority, Krull said, is improving visa services. The consulate processes more than 10,000 visas annually, and plans are underway to double the number of visa counters and introduce external service providers for specific categories. A diploma verification system is also being developed.
“We are trying to serve our Nigerian customers better in future,” Krull said.
He emphasized Germany’s interest in expanding economic relations, describing Nigeria as its largest trading partner in West Africa. Krull said Germany hopes to attract more IT companies to Nigeria, citing the country’s growing tech talent pool as a major opportunity for collaboration.
Cultural exchange is also on the agenda. A German film industry delegation is currently in Lagos for the African Film Festival, marking the first outreach by German movie companies to Nigeria. The group includes filmmakers, intellectual property experts and equipment firms seeking partnerships with Nollywood.
Krull said Germany plans to deepen scientific cooperation and strengthen university partnerships. He also highlighted Germany’s support for the Museum of West African Arts in Benin City, which received about six million euros in funding. The museum will feature the Nigeria Imaginaries Exhibition, previously shown in Vienna in 2024.
While the Nigerian federal government has not issued an official response, several institutions and stakeholders have welcomed the initiative. Academic leaders have praised the focus on research collaboration, while tech entrepreneurs expressed interest in long-term investment commitments.
In the creative sector, Nollywood producers voiced optimism about the film delegation’s visit but urged equitable co-productions that protect Nigerian intellectual property. “This is a huge opportunity for technical exchange and global visibility,” said a representative from the Nigerian Film Corporation.
On social media, reactions were mixed. Many praised the visa reforms and cultural outreach, while others raised concerns about potential brain drain. “We need partnerships that build Nigeria, not just extract from it,” one user posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
