By Ameh George, Abuja
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar received in audience the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where they reiterated their commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in key sectors.
Ambassador Westerholm conveyed Sweden’s appreciation for Nigeria’s warm hospitality since her assumption of duty in August last year and commended the cordial relations between the two countries.
According to a statement released by the ministry, the Swedish ambassador noted the strong goodwill and openness encountered in Nigeria and expressed her country’s readiness to deepen engagement across different areas of mutual interest.
Westerholm also described trade, investment and partnerships as critical priorities for Sweden’s engagement with Nigeria, even as she highlighted Sweden’s interest in supporting Nigeria’s green and digital transition, particularly through cooperation in digital infrastructure, innovation and technology development.
“Sweden as a leading technology and innovation-driven economy, has seen considerable opportunities to collaborate with Nigeria in strengthening digital connectivity and infrastructure.
The ambassador noted potential collaboration in the energy sector, as well as in the cultural and creative industries, particularly in music production and the broader creative economy.
She recognised the global influence of Nigeria’s Afrobeats and creative talent, noting the prospects for partnerships that could combine Swedish expertise in music production and business models with Nigeria’s vibrant creative sector.
Westerholm informed the minister that Sweden had recently upgraded its commercial engagement in Nigeria, including the establishment of a Swedish Trade Office in Lagos led by a government – appointed Trade Commissioner.
The visit was said to follow the Swedish Crown Princess earlier visit to Nigeria that signals Sweden’s intention to strengthen trade and investment ties with Nigeria.
While speaking on the political and multilateral front, she commended Nigeria’s continued role as a like-minded partner in upholding the international rules-based order, including cooperation at the United Nations on key resolutions and global governance issues.
She also reiterated Sweden’s commitment to continued collaboration with Nigeria within international and regional frameworks, as discussions covered regional developments in West Africa, particularly the situation in the Sahel and the evolving dynamics within ECOWAS, including relations with the Alliance of Sahel States, AES.
Both sides recognised Nigeria’s pivotal role in promoting stability, regional integration, and constructive dialogue across the region.
In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs buttressed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthen democratic institutions and regional cooperation mechanisms as essential tools for addressing the region’s complex security and governance challenges.
Tuggar emphasised Nigeria’s continued engagement with ECOWAS member-states and regional partners in promoting stability, dialogue and long-term solutions to the challenges facing the Sahel and the wider West African sub-region.
The minister highlighted the importance of regional economic integration, noting the progress achieved under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, ETLS, which facilitates the free movement of goods and services across member-states.
He observed that while the legal and regulatory frameworks for regional integration are largely in place, greater awareness and participation from the private sector remain necessary to fully realise the benefits of the integration process.
Both parties agreed to continue high-level consultations and explore additional avenues for cooperation that will deepen the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between Nigeria and Sweden.
At the meeting, it was also disclosed that the State Secretary of Sweden is expected to visit Nigeria next week for high-level discussions.
