Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan left Abuja early Friday on a private visit to Germany, local media quoted spokesman Reuben Abati as saying in a press statement.
Jonathan will be accompanied on the trip by some of his principal aides.
Analysts speculate that the trip is most likely healthcare-related. Germany is also the preferred destination of his wife, Patience, for medical care.
The president is expected back in Abuja early next week, Abati said.