Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, held high-level discussions in Abuja on Tuesday with the Foreign Ministers of Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and representatives from Norway and Denmark.
According to The PUNCH, the meeting aimed to strengthen the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, a partnership that has endured since Nigeria gained independence.
The delegation included Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tobias Billström; Finland’s Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen; Iceland’s Foreign Minister, 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.
After the meeting, Ambassador Tuggar addressed the press, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between Nigeria and the Nordic nations, emphasizing Finland’s early recognition of 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,” Tuggar said.
The discussions also touched on enhancing trade relations, with particular emphasis on Nigeria’s shift towards renewable energy.
Tuggar praised the recent launch of Compressed Natural Gas buses by President Bola Tinubu, viewing it as a significant step towards reducing dependence on imported petroleum.
He lauded the Nordic countries for their advancements in the circular economy and renewable technologies, saying, “These are the types of partnerships we need.”
Moreover, Tuggar spoke of potential collaborations in research and development, pointing to the Nordic model of integrating university research with business and government initiatives.
He mentioned Nigeria’s National Agency for Science, Engineering, and Infrastructure as a key player, especially in solar energy and CNG projects.
In addition, Tuggar highlighted the work of Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps, an agency that has been sending Nigerian professionals to Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific since 1987.
He described it as “one of Nigeria’s significant contributions to global development,” underscoring Nigeria’s respected international standing.
During the talks, the Minister confirmed that Nigeria raised concerns with Finland about the controversial Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa, addressing the issue with strong emphasis.
“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,” he asserted.
Speaking on behalf of the Nordic delegation, Swedish Foreign Minister Billström reaffirmed the deep and enduring relationship between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, noting Nigeria’s status as one of their largest trading partners in Africa.
He also commended Nigeria’s significant global role, particularly in promoting peace and stability in West Africa and supporting international cooperation efforts.
Billström expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s efforts in fostering stability and democracy within the Economic Community of West African States and strengthening ties between the United Nations and regional organizations.
He stated, “Nigeria is a prominent actor on the regional and global stage and plays an important role in maintaining peace and furthering international cooperation.”
He also highlighted the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2719, which addresses Africa’s under-representation in the UN Security Council, as a key issue.
The minister affirmed the Nordic countries’ support for expanding the Security Council to include more permanent and elected members, reflecting Africa’s growing importance in international affairs.
“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,” Billström remarked. “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 further addressed global issues, particularly Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, which he said poses a threat to international peace and security.
He praised Nigeria for its firm stance in the UN General Assembly, where it has defended international law and the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The minister emphasized that the visit reaffirms the strong partnership between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, spanning critical areas such as global and regional security, trade, investment, human rights, democracy, and climate change.
He concluded, “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.”
Notably, this visit by the five Nordic ministers marked the first of its kind outside of Europe.
