German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier recently visited Lagos as part of his official trip to Nigeria. His visit was marked by a warm welcome at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, where Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat joined dignitaries to greet him.
On his first evening, President Steinmeier toured the renowned Nike Art Gallery, a hub for Nigerian creativity. The gallery, owned by artist Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, features over 25,000 stunning artworks that highlight the country’s rich artistic heritage.
The event was a vibrant celebration, with ushers dressed in traditional Adire attire and a lively atmosphere filled with anticipation. Chief Nike welcomed the President warmly, sharing her pride in showcasing Nigerian art.
President Steinmeier emphasized the importance of art and cultural exchange in building global connections. He highlighted the strong relationship between Nigeria and Germany, not only in trade and politics but also in cultural partnerships. He praised Chief Nike for her efforts in supporting young artists, particularly women from underprivileged backgrounds.
During the gallery tour, President Steinmeier admired artworks by established and emerging Nigerian artists. The pieces reflected Nigeria’s diversity and creativity, showcasing stories and themes from across the country.
Speaking about the event, Chief Nike expressed her joy in presenting Lagos as a creative and cultural hub. She said, “Lagos is the city of excellence, and we are proud to show the world the creativity of Nigerian artists.”
Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti also attended the event, sharing his thoughts on the power of cultural exchange. He emphasized Africa’s leadership potential and the need to preserve its cultural legacy.
The evening concluded with guests enjoying Nigerian delicacies, fine wine, and inspiring conversations. The event highlighted Lagos as a center for creativity and cultural diplomacy, bridging worlds through the universal language of art.
President Steinmeier’s visit to Lagos was more than an official trip—it was a celebration of Nigeria’s vibrant culture, artistic excellence, and the shared humanity that connects us all.
Today, we had the honor of hosting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at our Lagos Head Office. His visit underscores Access Bank’s significant role in strengthening trade ties between Nigeria and Germany, backed by the bank’s dedicated German desk, which has been instrumental in supporting business relations for over six years. The desk has assisted over 100 German and European clients across various countries, including Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, and South Africa. Access Bank remains committed to fostering partnerships that boost global trade and contribute to sustainable economic growth across Africa.
The President of Germany is the country’s head of state and represents the nation in international matters, including signing treaties and accrediting diplomats. Federal laws must be signed by the president before they take effect, with the power to veto laws that go against the constitution. In Germany, the president stays out of partisan politics, serving a largely ceremonial role to unite the nation. The president is elected by the Bundestag (parliament) and the 16 German states, while the Chancellor, who leads the government, is responsible for political decisions. The Chancellor also holds the title of Commander in Chief during times of war.
Germany’s top leaders have visited Nigeria multiple times. Chancellor Helmut Schmidt visited in the 1970s, welcomed by General Obasanjo. President Richard von Weizsacker visited during the Babangida era. Other visits include President Johannes Rau in 2004, President Horst Köhler in 2008, Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2011 and 2018, and President Joachim Gauck in 2016. Most recently, Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited in 2023, also touring both Abuja and Lagos.
On the final day of his visit to Nigeria, President Steinmeier met with five Nigerian start-ups in Lagos. These start-ups, spanning various industries, showcased their innovative projects, from a health platform using an electronic insurance card to a financing service for entrepreneurs. With Nigeria’s large, youthful population and the support of initiatives like the Nigeria Startup Act, which encourages tech and IT companies, the country has become a major hub for start-ups in Africa. During his meeting with entrepreneurs, Steinmeier emphasized the potential for stronger cooperation between Germany and Nigeria, noting their complementary strengths in technology and resources. Before leaving for South Africa, Steinmeier also met Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.
