The Federal Republic of Germany has launched a new training initiative to equip young Nigerians with specialised skills in the hospitality sector as part of efforts to promote legal migration and strengthen bilateral cooperation between both countries.
The project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, seeks to prepare Nigerian youths for professional opportunities abroad through structured and legal pathways, while fostering stronger economic ties between Nigeria and Germany.
Speaking at the launch of the African Skills 4 Germany project on Wednesday in Lagos, Mr. Daniel Krull, Consul General of Germany to Nigeria, said the initiative aims to match Germany’s growing labour needs with Nigeria’s abundant youthful talent.
The programme, he explained, is being implemented by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria (AHK Nigeria), in partnership with IHK Giessen-Friedberg, the GIZ Centre for Migration and Development, and the Goethe Institute.
Krull noted that Germany’s rapidly aging population has created an urgent demand for skilled workers, especially in sectors such as hospitality, while Nigeria’s young and ambitious population presents a natural opportunity for partnership.
“Germany has an aging population, with many people retiring from the workforce. Nigeria, on the other hand, has a large pool of young, talented, and motivated people seeking opportunities.
“This collaboration allows us to build structured, safe, and mutually beneficial migration routes that serve both nations, ” he said.
He explained that the pilot project involves 18 Nigerian youths who will receive comprehensive training combining technical, language, and cultural education to prepare them for integration into Germany’s hospitality industry.
The programme, he added, also focuses on personality development and cross-cultural understanding to ensure participants adapt smoothly to their new environment.
“The goal is to produce a successful model that can be expanded to other sectors such as mechatronics and information technology.
“Once we confirm its success, we will broaden the scope, ” he said.
Mr.. Andreas Mertenbacher, Project Lead at African Skills 4 Germany, Giessen-Friedberg, said more than 350 Nigerians applied for the programme, but only 18 were shortlisted after a rigorous selection process.
He commended the professionalism and enthusiasm of Nigerian applicants, describing them as highly motivated and capable of excelling in international settings.
“Germany needs young workers, and Nigeria has many bright minds willing to learn. This partnership is a perfect fit.
“The participants will not only gain valuable training but also become ambassadors of Nigeria while contributing to Germany’s hospitality sector, ” he said.
Mertenbacher added that the training is fully funded by the German government, covering tuition and accommodation costs.
Participants are only responsible for their transportation to Germany, and will receive monthly stipends during the course to cover their living expenses.
Mr. Adedotun Adeoye, Nigeria’s Project Lead for African Skills 4 Germany, said the programme uses Germany’s dual education system, which combines classroom instruction with practical, on-the-job experience in companies and hotels.
According to him, beyond technical learning, participants are also undergoing German language and cultural orientation classes at the Goethe Institute in Lagos to prepare them for life abroad.
“We’re not just training for jobs abroad, we’re investing in skills that can also transform Nigeria’s hospitality industry when participants return,” Adeoye said.
Mrs. Adeniyi Taiwo, a German language instructor at the Goethe Institute, said the initiative represents a significant milestone in Nigeria–Germany relations, adding that it promotes the idea of legal and orderly migration.
“Germany values diversity and is opening its doors to young, vibrant people who can contribute positively.
”The legal route to migration is the only sustainable way forward, and this programme proves it is possible,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Manuel Wisdom, a professional chef, said the project has given him the chance to merge Nigerian and German culinary styles and broaden his career opportunities abroad.
“This programme allows me to bring a bit of Nigeria to Germany through food.
”I’ll make sure to represent my country with pride,” he said.
Another participant, Ms. Folashade Adedeji, a former chemistry teacher, said she hopes the success of the first cohort will open doors for more Nigerians to benefit from similar opportunities in the future.
“It’s an exciting journey that combines learning, cultural exchange, and professional growth,” she said.
