…pledges stronger bilateral ties
By Ime Silas
Senator Ita Enang, LLD, OFR, has formally arrived in Berlin, Germany to assume duties as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, marking the beginning of a new diplomatic chapter aimed at deepening Nigeria-Germany relations.
The former Presidential Aide and ex-lawmaker landed in the German capital where he was received by a high-level delegation, underscoring the importance of the posting.
According to Enang, his reception at the airport was led by officials of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Germany representing the African group of Ambassadors, and officers of the Nigeria Embassy in Berlin.
“I was received at the Airport by a delegation of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Germany on behalf of the African group of Ambassadors to Germany and the wonderfully warm officers of the Nigeria Embassy in Germany,” Enang said.
Following the airport reception, the Ambassador-Designate was escorted to Hotel Bristol, Berlin for what he described as “an awesome reception by the Embassy staff and Nigerian Communities in Germany.”
The gathering brought together diplomats, embassy officials, and members of the Nigerian diaspora in Germany, setting the tone for his mission in Europe’s largest economy.
Enang’s appointment comes as Nigeria continues to strengthen economic, cultural, and technical cooperation with Germany. Trade between both countries has remained robust, with Germany ranking among Nigeria’s top European trading partners in machinery, chemicals, and automotive products. Security cooperation, renewable energy, and migration management are also key areas both Abuja and Berlin have prioritized in recent years.
In a statement after his arrival, the Ambassador-Designate expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust placed in him. “My immense gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the confidence in this trust,” Enang stated.
He also extended gratitude to the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for guiding him and other newly posted diplomats through the deployment process. He specifically acknowledged the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu; the Minister of State, Ambassador Enikanolaye; the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma; “ALL the Directors and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for shepherding me and other colleagues to post.”
The recognition of the ministry’s career officers highlights the collaborative approach expected of Nigeria’s foreign service. With over three decades of public service experience, including eight years in the House of Representatives and eight years in the Senate, Enang is expected to leverage his legislative and administrative background to advance Nigeria’s interests in Germany.
Diplomatic observers note that the Berlin posting is strategic for Nigeria, given Germany’s influence within the European Union and its role in global climate, trade, and development policies. Nigeria and Germany have maintained diplomatic relations since 1960, and both countries have signed several agreements covering economic cooperation, vocational training, and cultural exchange.
The Nigerian community in Germany, estimated at over 50,000, is also expected to play a central role during Enang’s tenure. The warm reception at Hotel Bristol reflects the diaspora’s interest in closer engagement with the embassy on consular services, investment opportunities, and cultural promotion.
As a reflection of his wishes for his colleagues, Enang in his remarks concluded “As I pray Grace upon Grace for our colleagues on cue for divine speed”, signaling solidarity with other Nigerian envoys preparing to take up assignments abroad.
Senator Ita Enang, who holds the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, OFR, and a Doctor of Laws, LLD, will be expected to present his Letters of Credence to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in the coming weeks. That ceremony will formally accredit him as Nigeria’s substantive ambassador.
Until then, his immediate focus will be on familiarizing himself with the operations of the Nigerian Embassy in Berlin, engaging with German government officials, and consulting with Nigerian professionals and students across Germany.
Foreign policy analysts say Enang’s arrival provides an opportunity to reset and reinvigorate Nigeria’s engagement with Germany, particularly in areas of youth development, technology transfer, and support for small and medium enterprises. Germany’s dual vocational training system has been of special interest to Nigeria as Abuja seeks to address youth unemployment.
With his pedigree in lawmaking and public administration, and the goodwill already shown by both German officials and the Nigerian diaspora, Ambassador-Designate Ita Enang begins his Berlin assignment with expectations high for stronger bilateral outcomes between Africa’s most populous nation and Europe’s economic powerhouse.
