Steinmeier, who is on a two-day visit to Nigeria, made the announcement yesterday in Abuja when he visited the minister of state for foreign affairs.
He said Germany was examining how to increase its companies’ interests in Nigeria.
He said when President Umar Yar’adua visited Germany, both countries discussed a number of issues, including renewable energy and global environmental protection.
He explained that German’s interest in establishing an efficient and sustainable programme on renewable energies could be of interest to Nigeria.
On cultural ties, he said the German Cultural Institute had trained many Nigerians and added that there had been exchanges of artistes by the countries.
“Later today we will also be paying tributes to some Nigerian students who have done well in Germany,’’ he said.
Amb. Bagudu Hirse, the second Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said the visit would further strengthen bilateral ties in trade and disease control with Nigeria.
He said ties between Nigeria and Germany had been facilitated and maintained through high-level interactions.
Hirse noted that German government had continued to demonstrate support for Africa and efforts of African leaders toward the development of the continent.
The minister will leave Nigeria for Ghana on Thursday after meeting with President Yar’adua.