On Tuesday, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, held high-level discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and representatives from Norway and Denmark in Abuja.
The meeting aimed to strengthen the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, which dates back to Nigeria’s independence. The delegation included Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, Finland’s Foreign Minister Ms. Elina Valtonen, Iceland’s Foreign Minister Ms. Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Norway’s State Secretary for International Development Bjørg Sandkjær, and Denmark’s Under Secretary for Foreign Policy Eva Marie Frida Barløse.
After the meeting, Ambassador Tuggar highlighted the historical significance of the relationship, noting that Finland was one of the first nations to recognize Nigeria as a republic. He praised the Nordic countries for their consistent support in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, particularly in de-radicalization and resettlement efforts in the Lake Chad region.
The discussions also focused on enhancing trade relations and Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy. Tuggar noted President Bola Tinubu’s recent initiative to launch Compressed Natural Gas buses, aimed at reducing dependence on imported petroleum products. He commended the Nordic countries for their advances in the circular economy and renewable technologies, and suggested potential collaborations in research and development.
Tuggar also drew attention to Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps, which has been deploying Nigerian professionals globally since 1987, and underscored Nigeria’s role in international development.
During the talks, Tuggar addressed the issue of Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa with the Finnish representatives, emphasizing Nigeria’s firm stance on the matter.
Swedish Foreign Minister Billström, speaking on behalf of the Nordic delegation, acknowledged the deep-rooted relationship between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, highlighting Nigeria’s role as a major trading partner in Africa. He praised Nigeria’s efforts to promote stability and democracy within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its support for enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations.
Billström also emphasized the importance of expanding the UN Security Council to better represent African countries and commended Nigeria’s decisive stance in the UN General Assembly on international law and territorial integrity.
The visit, which marks the first time five Nordic ministers have traveled outside Europe together, underscores the strong partnership between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, covering critical areas such as global and regional security, trade, human rights, democracy, and climate change.
