By Chioma Obinna

The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Giessen-Friedberg has selected 18 young Nigerians for migration to Germany as part of efforts to groom skilled talent for the country’s hospitality sector.

The beneficiaries were unveiled in Lagos after successfully completing the rigorous selection process for Dual Vocational Training under the Africa Skills 4 Germany (AS4G) initiative. The pilot project, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), seeks to address Germany’s long-term shortage of skilled workers and apprentices.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, the German Consul General in Lagos, Daniel Krull, said the selection demonstrates Germany’s commitment to expanding vocational training infrastructure and fostering institutional partnerships with Nigeria. He noted that Germany’s rapidly aging population has made it necessary to open pathways for the legal migration of younger workers.

“Germany has a fast-aging population; many people are retiring, and the need for a younger workforce is growing. Nigeria, on the other hand, has a young, talented, and ambitious population seeking employment. So, it is natural to explore how both countries can join forces to open new opportunities for legal migration,” he said.

Krull added that the initiative goes beyond skills development, emphasizing personality development that will shape the long-term careers of the selected candidates, whether they choose to work in Germany, Dubai, or Lagos. He explained that the candidates will undergo intensive language training and cultural orientation to ensure they are fully prepared before relocating next summer.

He further stated that the sustainability of the programme will depend on the success of this pilot phase, noting that Germany may require skilled workers in other sectors in the future.

Project Lead for AS4G at the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI), Andreas Reckert, revealed that over 350 applicants were screened, with only 18 making it through language aptitude tests, written exams, and oral interviews. “The students don’t pay for language courses, cultural training, or hospitality-specific training. They only invest their time, effort, and enthusiasm. The only costs they cover are their flight and travel expenses. Everything else is paid for by German companies,” he said.

He added that the selected trainees will earn salaries sufficient to cover their rent and living expenses. “They earn about €1,000 at the start, and once fully trained, they are eligible for raises up to €2,000 or €2,500, depending on their company,” Reckert explained.

German language instructor and human resource consultant, Bolade Niyi-Taiwo, said the candidates have completed the first phase of training and are on track to complete the second phase by the end of November. “The candidates began their training on August 18. They excelled in the first stage, which ended in October, and are now progressing through the second stage. This pilot project will set the foundation for a stronger relationship between Germany and Nigeria,” she said.

One of the selected candidates, former chemistry teacher Afolashade Adedeji, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “I decided to take a leap of faith and apply when I saw the programme online. Being selected means a lot to me. I believe my performance will open doors for others coming after me, so I am giving it my all,” she said.