Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, held pivotal discussions on Tuesday with the Foreign Ministers of Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and representatives from Norway and Denmark in Abuja. The meeting aimed to deepen the historical relationship between Nigeria and the Nordic nations, a bond that has been strong since Nigeria’s independence.

The Nordic delegation included Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, Finnish Foreign Minister Ms. Elina Valtonen, Icelandic Foreign Minister Ms. Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Norway’s State Secretary for International Development Bjørg Sandkjær, and Danish Under Secretary for Foreign Policy Eva Marie Frida Barløse.

Ambassador Tuggar underscored the enduring partnership, noting Finland’s role as one of the first countries to recognize Nigeria as a republic. He emphasized the Nordic countries’ consistent support in combating terrorism, especially through de-radicalization and resettlement initiatives in the Lake Chad region.

The discussions also touched upon expanding trade relations and collaborating on renewable energy projects. Tuggar highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s recent initiative to launch Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as part of Nigeria’s shift towards reducing reliance on imported petroleum products. He praised the Nordic countries for their advancements in circular economy practices and renewable technologies.

Tuggar proposed potential collaborations in research and development, drawing attention to the Nordic model of integrating university research with business and government support. He cited Nigeria’s National Agency for Science, Engineering, and Infrastructure as a key player in solar energy and CNG projects.

The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps, which has deployed professionals to various regions since 1987, as a significant contribution to global development. Additionally, Tuggar addressed the issue of Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa, asserting that Nigeria raised the matter “vociferously” with Finland during the talks.

Swedish Foreign Minister Billström, representing the Nordic delegation, reaffirmed the deep-rooted relationship between Nigeria and the Nordic countries. He emphasized Nigeria’s status as a major trading partner in Africa and its vital role in promoting peace and stability in West Africa.

Billström expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s efforts in stabilizing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations. The discussions also touched upon Security Council Resolution 2719, which addresses Africa’s under-representation in the UN Security Council.

The high-level talks signal a strengthened partnership between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, with a focus on enhancing collaboration in various sectors to promote sustainable development and global cooperation.