REMARKS ON THE VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC GERMANY, HIS EXCELLENCY JOACHIM GUACK ON THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY, 2016.
 
Protocol;
 
1.   I wish to express my immense delight to receive Your Excellency, Her Excellency and entourage to the Nigerian National Assembly. The National Assembly deeply appreciates the visit of this high powered delegation at this very challenging period in our nation. This is historic and quite welcome.
  
2.       Traditionally, Nigeria and Germany have very close, friendly and excellent relations. It is pleasing to know that efforts to foster stronger ties and bonds have continued to be maintained by our two countries.
 
3.   Your Excellency’s visit would not only further cement our cordial relations but demonstrates that the international community, and in this case, that Germany is on the same page with this Administration’s stance against terrorism and its attendant insecurity as well as the fight against corruption.
 
4.   Your Excellency, your visit to the National Assembly underscores the importance you attach to the role that the legislature plays and can influence in our drive to deepen our democracy, strengthen the rule of law and foster liberty and development.
 
5.   This Assembly, in order to consolidate on the objectives stated above shall earnestly support the Executive in its fight against corruption, terrorism and insecurity. We urge you, to use your good office as President of Germany to promote and support our efforts in this regards.
 
6.   Our country is presently experiencing the challenges of global terrorism. Notwithstanding the significant victories we have recorded, Boko Haram has continued to pose colossal national and regional security challenge. 
 
7.   We have a lot to learn from Germany and to gain from stronger Nigeria-Germany relation in this regard. So we call on the German government and the EU to lend us their unflinching support and solidarity in order for us to fully eliminate terrorism from the sub region. I believe that every effort in this area is a paramount investment as the Regional stability, security and development is tied to achieving global peace. 
 
8.   We urge you to particularly help us return our Internally Displaced People back to their homes and fully reintegrate them into the society.
 
9.   Let me use this opportunity to recognise Germany’s immense contribution to the Nigeria economy so far; from construction to technology, oil and gas. The National Assembly is working hard to change our business and investment climate through several initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of doing business and the risks involved. 
 
10.        We also look forward to closer and stronger working relation between our parliaments.
 
11.        We welcome Your Excellency once again to the National Assembly and thank you for the visit.
 
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE