President Goodluck Jonathan said on Thursday that Nigeria was safe for foreign investors and called for Western assistance to combat Boko Haram.
“We are building up our security infrastructure. I can say we are on top of this problem,” Jonathan told a joint news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin after talks that focused on trade, energy and security issues.
Asked what kind of assistance Germany could provide, he said: “In areas of training manpower and modern equipment. You need superior technology to fight terrorists and we think Germany and others can help us in such areas.
“I can assure the global community, especially investors from Germany, that the government is working very hard to bring this problem under control,” Jonathan said.
“Nigeria is still safe for investment. Nigeria is one country where investment returns are quite high and where we believe in the rule of law.”
With 70 per cent of its population below the age of 35, Nigeria offers a vibrant market for investors, he added.
Merkel said Germany was? ready to provide logistics and other support in the fight against Boko Haram.
She also urged Jonathan to provide a better business climate in Nigeria? as well as other security challenges such as piracy off its coast.
Jonathan's delegation to Berlin include, business leaders and state governors.
Among deals signed was one with German Engineering Conglomerate Siemens on producing small and medium-sized turbines in Nigeria for the African market.