By Emmanuel Iheaka

The Federal Republic of Germany has entered into a strategic partnership with Bayelsa State, Nigeria, focusing on renewable energy, education, agriculture, and cultural exchange to drive sustainable development.

This was disclosed during a high-level meeting between a Bayelsa State delegation—comprising government officials and private sector representatives—and the German Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Weert Börner. The engagement underscores Germany’s commitment to regional development in Nigeria, particularly in areas with significant economic potential and environmental challenges.

Leading the delegation, Dr. RosaLyn Dressman, Director-General of the Bayelsa Electricity Regulatory Agency, urged Germany to expand its support beyond energy to include targeted interventions such as technical training, capacity-building programs, and sponsorship initiatives. She emphasized that these efforts would empower local communities with critical skills necessary for long-term socioeconomic growth. Dr. Dressman also advocated for cultural exchange programs as a means of strengthening diplomatic relations between Bayelsa and Germany.

In response, Ambassador Börner reaffirmed Germany’s readiness to assist Bayelsa in harnessing its renewable energy resources and advanced gas turbine technologies. He noted that as Nigeria moves towards energy sector decentralization, there are significant opportunities for transformative projects in the state. He also pledged Germany’s support in advancing technical education and agriculture, highlighting them as fundamental pillars for economic resilience and sustainable development.

Addressing the environmental impact of gas flaring, Ambassador Börner committed to introducing innovative German technologies that would convert flared gas into economically viable and environmentally sustainable energy solutions.

Dr. Dieter Teckhaus, Technical Consultant and Rector of Atech Polytechnic, Yenagoa, assured stakeholders of strong interest from German companies in exploring business opportunities in Bayelsa. He called on Ambassador Börner to facilitate robust bilateral relationships that would foster investor confidence and mutually beneficial economic collaborations.

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Power, Hon. Engr. Kharin Komuko, expressed gratitude to Ambassador Börner for his hospitality and conveyed an invitation from Governor Douye Diri for the German delegation to visit Bayelsa. He assured that the state government is committed to providing a secure and business-friendly environment for German enterprises.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. Jason Osai, Chairman of the Governing Council of Atech Polytechnic, Yenagoa. He commended Ambassador Börner’s dedication to fostering beneficial partnerships and expressed Bayelsa’s eagerness to welcome him for further diplomatic engagements.

This partnership marks a significant step towards strengthening economic and technological cooperation between Germany and Bayelsa State.