The new Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos, Mr. Daniel Krull, has outlined Germany’s plans to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Lagos and other states in southern Nigeria through expanded economic, cultural, and scientific engagement.
Krull made these remarks during a press conferenceima held on November 3rd, 2025, at the German Consulate in Lagos. He assumed office in August 2025 and said his mission is focused on improving relations between Germany and Nigeria at multiple levels.
Economic Partnership and Technology Cooperation
Krull stated that Germany remains committed to strengthening trade and investment with Lagos, describing the city as a key hub for economic activity in Nigeria. He stated that Nigeria continues to be Germany’s largest trading partner in West Africa and the second largest in sub-Saharan Africa.
He noted that cooperation in technology is an expanding area of interest, with German information technology firms exploring partnerships with Nigerian companies in the growing technology ecosystem. “This could become a major pillar of bilateral relations,” Krull said.
He added that efforts would continue to promote private sector engagement and support sustainable partnerships that can enhance innovation and development.
Cultural Exchange and Film Collaboration
Cultural exchange formed another major focus of Krull’s remarks. He announced that a German film industry delegation is currently in Lagos for the African Film Festival.
The visit was organized by SBS Systems for Business Solutions GmbH in collaboration with AHK Nigeria and under the patronage of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
According to Krull, the visit seeks to promote collaboration between Nigerian and German filmmakers, encourage professional exchange, and introduce new opportunities in film production and distribution. “This visit marks an important outreach by German movie companies to Nigeria,” he said.
He also mentioned ongoing projects such as the partnership between the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg and young filmmakers from Benin City, Edo State.
The initiative, supported by both governments, produced the film ỌKPẸN-ẸZẸ (By the Riverside) in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Lagos. The film was recently screened at the Consulate.
Krull said such initiatives reflect the “bottom-up momentum” that supports creative partnerships and cultural understanding between both countries.
Academic and Scientific Cooperation
Krull reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to academic and research partnerships. He referred to his recent visit to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and the Humboldt Research Hub–Centre for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (HRH-CERID), which receives support from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Bayer Foundation.
He also noted Germany’s €6 million support for the Museum of West African Arts in Benin City, which will host the Nigeria Imaginaries exhibition previously shown in Vienna in 2024.
“There is a wide basket of promising areas of cooperation, and I hope to act as a facilitator across sectors,” Krull said.
Consular Services and Visa Reforms
Krull stated that the Consulate processes over 10,000 visa applications each year and is implementing reforms to improve efficiency.
He said plans are underway to double the number of visa counters and involve external service providers for certain categories to reduce waiting times. “We are trying to serve our Nigerian customers better in future,” he added.
