"In phone call with German chancellor, Tinubu requests used helicopters for Sahel security."
President Bola Tinubu has requested for the supply of used helicopters from Germany to help in intelligence reconnaissance in the Sahel. Tinubu spoke to Friedrich Merz, German chancellor, in a telephone conversation on Wednesday afternoon that lasted around 10 minutes.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman, Tinubu and Merz agreed to improve bilateral relations between both countries and strengthen collaboration in the security, power, and railway sectors.
“The Sahel corridor is bad and needs our support. Intelligence support reconnaissance is needed,” Tinubu told Merz, after both leaders expressed worry over the region. Bayo Onanuga did not note if Tinubu’s request was granted.
Tinubu and Merz also spoke on the presidential power initiative, designed to improve electricity supply in the country. The president said Nigeria requires assistance with power transmission.
According to the statement, Merz pledged that Siemens would assist in that regard, while Deutsche Bank would be willing to finance the project. Both countries currently have a $2.3 billion Siemens power deal which has largely stalled since 2019.
In December 2021, the federal executive council (FEC) approved $1.9 million and €62.9 million for phase one of the project, which sought to modernise, rehabilitate, and expand the national grid. Last November, Tinubu acknowledged the progress of the Siemens power project, but said it fell short of the expected level.
Tinubu and Merz also discussed collaborations in the arts sector, with the German chancellor calling for the establishment of the Great Museum of African Arts. Merz said his country is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Nigeria’s new ambassador to Germany.
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