Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has engaged in high-level talks with the Foreign Ministers of Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, along with representatives from Norway and Denmark, to bolster multilateral relations.
The discussions, held in Abuja, focused on deepening the longstanding ties between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, which date back to Nigeria’s independence.
The delegation included Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, Finland’s Elina Valtonen, Iceland’s 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.
Ambassador Tuggar emphasized the historical significance of Nigeria’s relationship with the Nordic nations, noting Finland’s early recognition of Nigeria as a republic.
He highlighted the Nordic countries’ consistent support in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, particularly in de-radicalization and resettlement efforts in the Lake Chad region.
The talks also addressed trade relations, with a focus on Nigeria’s shift toward renewable energy.
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Tuggar praised the Nordic countries for their advancements in the circular economy and renewable technologies, citing President Bola Tinubu’s recent launch of Compressed Natural Gas buses as part of a broader initiative to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
He also explored potential collaborations in research and development, particularly in solar energy and CNG initiatives, with Nigeria’s National Agency for Science, Engineering, and Infrastructure playing a key role.
Tuggar also raised concerns about the controversial Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa with Finland, confirming that Nigeria addressed the issue “vociferously.”
Speaking on behalf of the Nordic delegation, Swedish Foreign Minister Billström underscored the deep-rooted relationship between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, noting Nigeria’s role as a major trading partner and a significant actor in promoting peace and stability in West Africa.
He also highlighted the Nordic countries’ support for expanding the UN Security Council to better represent African nations, reflecting their growing importance in global politics.
Billström praised Nigeria’s stance in the UN General Assembly on international law and sovereignty, particularly regarding Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
He emphasized the strong partnership between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, spanning global and regional security, trade, investment, human rights, democracy, and climate change.
This visit marked the first of its kind by Nordic ministers outside of Europe, reaffirming the strong ties between Nigeria and the Nordic countries.
