Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, on Tuesday engaged in high-level discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and as well as representatives from Norway and Denmark.
The discussion held in Abuja focused on deepening the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, which dates back to Nigeria’s independence.
The delegation includes the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Tobias Billström; the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Ms Elina Valtonen; Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland; Ms Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir; the State Secretary for International Development, Norway, Bjørg Sandkjær, and Under Secretary for Foreign Policy, Denmark, Eva Marie Frida Barløse.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the historical significance of this relationship, noting that Finland was among the first nations to recognise Nigeria as a republic.
“These are the Nordic countries. We have had a very long relationship with them going back to our independence. They have been consistent partners in our fight against terrorism, particularly in de-radicalisation and resettlement efforts in the Lake Chad region”, he said.
The discussions also covered the enhancement of trade relations, with a particular focus on Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to shift towards renewable energy sources.
Tuggar highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s recent launch of Compressed Natural Gas buses, part of a broader initiative to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products. “These are the types of partnerships we need,” Tuggar stated, praising the Nordic countries for their advancements in cyclical economy and renewable technology.
The minister also outlined potential collaborations in research and development, noting the Nordic model of integrating university research with business and government support.
He pointed to Nigeria’s National Agency for Science, Engineering, and Infrastructure as a key player in this area, particularly in solar energy and CNG initiatives.
Furthermore, Tuggar brought attention to Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps, an agency that has been deploying Nigerian professionals to Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific since 1987. “This is one of Nigeria’s significant contributions to global development,” he said, stressing the country’s respected status on the international stage.
During the talks, Tuggar also confirmed that Nigeria had raised concerns about a controversial Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa with Finland, addressing the issue “vociferously.”
“That is a no-brainer. You know there’s no way Nigeria is going to engage with Finland without raising the issue of Simon Ekpa, and raising it vociferously. So, take that as having been done,” the minister noted.
Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister Billström, who spoke on behalf of the Nordic delegation, underscored the longstanding and deep-rooted relationship between Nigeria and the Nordic countries adding that Nigeria stands as one of the countries’ largest trading partners in Africa.
He further highlighted Nigeria’s significant role on the global stage, particularly in promoting peace and stability within West Africa and in supporting international cooperation efforts.
He further highlighted Nigeria’s significant role on the global stage, particularly in promoting peace and stability within West Africa and in supporting international cooperation efforts.
The minister expressed appreciation for the Nigerian Presidency’s efforts to promote stability and democracy within the Economic Community of West African States and lauded Nigeria’s support for strengthening ties between the United Nations and regional organisations.
“Nigeria is a prominent actor on the regional and global stage and plays an important role in maintaining peace and furthering international cooperation.
“We highly appreciate the Nigerian Presidency’s efforts to promote stability and democracy within ECOWAS, and supporting ongoing efforts to further enhance cooperation between the United Nations and regional organisations,” the minister noted.
The adoption of Security Council Resolution 2719, which addresses Africa’s under-representation in the UN Security Council, was a key focus of the minister’s remarks.
He affirmed the Nordic countries’ support for expanding the Security Council to include more permanent and elected members, reflecting the growing importance of African countries in international politics.
The minister said, “The adoption of Security Council Resolution 2719 is a welcome step in this direction. At the same time, it is important to recognise and address Africa’s under-representation in the Security Council.
“And to this end, the Nordic supports the extension and expansion of the Council in both the permanent and two-year term elected categories. Just like Nigeria, the five Nordic countries are firmly committed to standing up for the international rules-based order, democracy, and human rights.
Billström also addressed global challenges, particularly Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, which he said threatens international peace and security. He praised Nigeria’s clear and decisive stance in the UN General Assembly, defending international law and the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The visit, Billström emphasised, holds a special significance as it reaffirms the strong partnership between Nigeria and the Nordic countries.
He highlighted that the collaboration spans various critical areas, including global and regional security, trade, investment, human rights, democracy, and combating climate change.
“Excellency, this visit is of particular importance to us. Nigeria and the Nordics are key partners in an array of areas, not only global and regional security but also trade and investment, promoting human rights and democracy, as well as combating climate change,” he added.
The visit of the five Nordic ministers was the first of its kind outside of Europe.