Deutsche Welle broadens operations, opens office in Lagos, Nigeria

In a bid to build a stronger presence and expand its services in African market with increased coverage as well as dominate the highly competitive media market in the world, Germany's international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle (DW), has opened a new correspondents’ office in Lagos, Nigeria.

Speaking to the media last week Thursday in Lagos, the Director of programming, Gerda Meuer, revealed that DW correspondents based in Lagos are Jan-Philipp Scholz and Adrian Kriesh, have been at their bureau office since September1, 2014.

According to her, they chose Lagos because it is a highly populated, dynamic and strong economic city.

 “No German correspondent is here,” says Meuer, who revealed that it is in line with their new plans and international speaking coverage.

“Our presence for 50 years in Africa has contributed to a special appreciation coming from our audience. They know that we impartially explain, analyze and interpret current events from a German and European perspective,” the Director of programming added.

While corroborating Meuer’s statement, the Head of Programmes, Claus Stacker highlighted the benefits of the new office and stressed that it would benefit the local channels and existing networks as there would be no competition between the two different media – radio and television. He pledged that they would guard against unbiased reports.

In the same vein, the Head of DW's Hausa Service, Thomas Mösch, who has spent many years in Nigeria and speaks Hausa Language fluently said “Hausa programme has been here. If you really want to reach people, use local languages,” he added.

The Consul General, Germany, Mr. Michael Derus, in his welcome address said the new office highlights the importance in the Germany perception Nigeria is, as well as the economic relations between the two countries. “It is in Germany’s interest to learn something about Nigeria. Unlike the news on Ebola and terrorism reported about Nigeria, it is an incentive for German business partners to come here”

However, Daily Newswatch learnt that Nigerian listeners can receive DW’s complete radio program in Hausa and English via shortwave and satellite. “Twenty Nigerian FM stations all over the country rebroadcast individual Hausa and English Magazines. Eight Nigerian television stations broadcast DW programming.”