Finance
Nigeria's Tinubu, Germany's Merz talk security, power deal in phone call
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 19, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Summary
Tinubu and Chancellor Merz discussed security and reviving Nigeria’s Siemens-led grid upgrades with potential Deutsche Bank financing. Tinubu also sought used helicopters for Sahel surveillance and wider cooperation on rail and skills.
Tinubu, Germany’s Merz discuss security ties and Siemens power revival
By Camillus Eboh
Security, Power and Infrastructure Cooperation
ABUJA, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed deepening cooperation on security, power and infrastructure in a phone call, Tinubu's office said on Thursday.
Reviving the Siemens-Led Power Project
In a nine-minute call on Wednesday, the two leaders discussed reviving a stalled presidential electricity project in Nigeria involving German conglomerate Siemens, and Nigeria buying used German helicopters.
Tinubu told Merz Nigeria needed help to upgrade its power-transmission network, the president's office said.
Transmission Goals and Funding Structure
A 2019 agreement with Siemens to rehabilitate transmission lines and power distribution substations, funded by German banks, aimed to achieve 7,000 MW of reliable power by 2021 and 11,000 MW by 2023. However, it has faced regulatory, logistical and financing challenges.
Siemens Delivery and Deutsche Bank Financing
Merz said Siemens would deliver the work and that Deutsche Bank was ready to finance it, Tinubu's office said in a statement.
Security Support and Sahel Reconnaissance
Tinubu also asked Germany to supply used helicopters to boost reconnaissance and intelligence operations in the Sahel, where worsening insecurity is pushing south toward coastal West Africa.
65 Years of Nigeria–Germany Ties
Nigeria and Germany have had diplomatic ties for 65 years.
Broader Cooperation: Rail, Creative Industries, Skills
The two leaders also agreed to broaden cooperation on rail transport, creative industries and skills development. Merz backed plans for a Museum of African arts, the statement said, without giving more details.
(Reporting by Camillus Eboh; Writing by Elisha Bala-Gbogbo; Editing by Susan Fenton)
Key Takeaways
- •Tinubu and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a nine‑minute call on security, power and infrastructure.
- •They discussed reviving Nigeria’s Siemens-led Presidential Power Initiative to upgrade transmission.
- •Deutsche Bank was cited as ready to finance aspects of the power project, per Tinubu’s office.
- •Tinubu requested used German helicopters to bolster Sahel reconnaissance and intelligence operations.
- •Both sides sought broader cooperation in rail, creative industries, skills and cultural initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nigeria's Tinubu, Germany's Merz talk security, power deal in phone call
1What is the main topic?
A phone call between Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz focused on security, reviving a Siemens-led power project, and broader economic cooperation.
2What is the Siemens power project discussed?
It refers to the Presidential Power Initiative, a 2019 Nigeria–Siemens program aimed at rehabilitating transmission lines and substations to raise reliable electricity supply.
3What security support did Nigeria request?
Tinubu asked Germany to supply used helicopters to enhance reconnaissance and intelligence operations in the Sahel, where insecurity has been worsening.
