Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Nigeria and Sweden have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in multiple sectors.
The commitment was made when the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, hosted Sweden’s Secretary of State, Diana Janse, to review cooperation across key sectors.
Discussions focused on expanding trade, investment, and collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and digital technology.
Ambassador Ahmed acknowledged the contributions of Swedish companies to Nigeria’s economy and highlighted the role of the Swedish Trade Office in Lagos in facilitating business partnerships.
He also encouraged greater participation of Swedish firms in Nigeria’s growing market.
Ms. Janse underscored Nigeria’s strategic importance within the European Union framework and referenced ongoing efforts to deepen EU-Nigeria relations.
Both sides noted “the impact of leading Swedish companies such as Ericsson and Scania, particularly their involvement in sustainable initiatives like biogas-powered buses for Lagos State.”
Cultural cooperation also featured prominently, with Sweden reaffirming its commitment to repatriating Benin artefacts, an effort seen as strengthening mutual trust and historical reconciliation.
The meeting addressed financial transaction challenges between both countries, with both parties agreeing to explore more efficient and secure banking channels to support trade and investment.
On multilateral cooperation, Ambassador Ahmed sought Sweden’s support for Nigeria’s candidacy to bodies such as the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Ms. Janse welcomed the request, indicating that further diplomatic consultations would continue.
Security issues in the Sahel and West Africa were also discussed, with both countries emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in tackling terrorism and transnational crime.
She reaffirmed Sweden’s support for Nigeria’s peace and stability efforts.
Both sides concluded by expressing satisfaction with the shared commitment to deepening cooperation across political, economic, and cultural spheres.
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