Nigeria is poised to once again capture the world’s attention, this time with the Nigeria‑German Investment and Cultural Expo (NGICE), a month‑long showcase of the country’s vast potential in investment, culture and industry.
The event, to be held in Berlin, Germany, marks a departure from previous landmark occasions – the 1977 Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in Lagos, the 2003 All‑Africa Games, and the 2009 FIFA Under‑17 World Cup – all of which were hosted within Nigeria
For the first time, the country will take its message abroad, aiming to reframe international perceptions of the nation.
NGICE is the brainchild of Ambassador Chielo Ojirika, also known in music circles as Chiboy (The Black Courage), and retired Inspector‑General of Police Sir Mike Okiro.
It is organised under the auspices of the Nigerian‑Global Investment and Cultural Exhibitions, a private initiative.
The expo’s theme is **“Unlocking Nigeria’s Investment Potentials for Industrial Revolution”, with the subtitle “Cultural Exports: Key Opportunities for Foreign Direct Investment.”
Speaking about the origins of the project, Ojirika explained that the idea was conceived in 2023, following the two‑day working visit to Nigeria of former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He said: “We believe in President Bola Tinubu’s reform programmes, and NGICE is our contribution towards making Nigeria great again.”
The decision to hold the expo in Germany was deliberate. “I have lived long enough in Europe,” Ojirika said, “to see that the West became industrialised not because of magic, but because of good leaders and law‑abiding citizens who pay taxes. Nigeria has the same talented people. Germany is an orderly, highly industrialised nation with investors ready to see what we have to offer.”
The expo will showcase Nigeria’s strengths across multiple sectors, including mining – where the Minister, Dr Dele Alake, is making strides – the blue economy, music, film, sport and literature. “We want to show that Nigeria is not just about kidnapping, drugs or internet fraud. We have world‑beaters in every field,” Ojirika added.
To ensure the expo’s success, the organisers have sought federal government support. They have visited the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who is said to regard the expo as “his baby”. Other high‑level engagements have taken place with the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tugger; the former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Dora Uzoka‑Anete; the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hanattu Musawa; the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu; and several other senior officials, including governors and permanent secretaries.
Last week, NGICE signed a memorandum of understanding with CTV, the global electronic media arm of the Catholic Church, securing comprehensive international coverage for the event.
“NGICE is prepared. NGICE is ready to place Nigeria at the centre of the world,” Ojirika said. “We want to join President Tinubu in telling top global investors that Nigeria is safe and open for business.
