Lagos: The Federal Republic of Germany, through its Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, has funded a project to equip 18 young Nigerians with specialised skills in the hospitality sector. The project aims to ensure professional growth and create new opportunities for legal migration.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Consul General of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Daniel Krull, highlighted at the African Skills 4 Germany project event in Lagos that the programme is expected to drive stronger economic cooperation between both countries. The initiative is being implemented by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria (AHK Nigeria) in collaboration with IHK Giessen-Friedberg, the GIZ Centre for Migration and Development, and the Goethe Institute.
Krull noted that the selected participants would gain practical experience that enhances their employability while promoting safe and structured pathways for workforce mobility. The pilot project is designed to equip the youths with technical, language, and cultural training to prepare them for work in Germany.
He emphasized that the initiative is driven by Germany’s aging population and the increasing need for a younger workforce, while Nigeria’s youthful population presents a natural opportunity for partnership. The collaboration aims to match Germany’s labour needs with Nigeria’s youth potential through structured, legal, and mutually beneficial migration pathways.
Krull explained that the training covers not only technical and language skills but also personality and cultural development to help participants integrate successfully into German society. The ongoing pilot programme focuses on the hospitality sector, which has a high and growing demand for young professionals. Success in this sector could pave the way for expansion into areas like mechatronics and information technology.
Mr. Andreas Mertenbacher, Project Lead for African Skills 4 Germany, disclosed that out of over 350 applicants, only 18 were selected. He commended the Nigerian youth for their conduct during the selection process, noting that Nigeria has a talented and eager-to-learn young population. He expressed hope that the first batch of participants would have long careers in Germany and become ambassadors for the country.
Mertenbacher mentioned that the project is fully funded by the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy, with beneficiaries only needing to cover their transportation costs. During their training, participants will receive a salary to cover their expenses, including rent and groceries.
Mr. Adedotun Adeoye, another Project Lead, stated that the programme aims to train motivated Nigerian youths interested in working in Germany’s hospitality sector. Beneficiaries will enjoy a dual education system that combines company training with hospitality industry exposure.
Mrs. Adeniyi Taiwo, a German Language Instructor at the Goethe Institute, commented that the project sets the stage for an excellent relationship between Germany and Nigeria. She stressed the importance of legal migration routes and the potential for participants to return and improve Nigeria’s hospitality industry.
Beneficiaries like Mr. Manuel Wisdom and Ms. Folashade Adedeji expressed their aspirations for the programme, highlighting the opportunity to blend Nigerian and German culinary traditions and the hope for more Nigerians to benefit from similar training opportunities in the future.