Nigeria has moved to strengthen its economic, trade, investment and innovation partnerships with Sweden and other Nordic countries as Ambassador Lola Akande formally commenced her diplomatic mission in the region.

Akande presented her Letters of Credence to the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, in Stockholm, formally marking the beginning of her tenure as Nigeria’s ambassador to Sweden.

She is also concurrently accredited to Denmark, Finland and Norway, giving her a broad mandate to advance Nigeria’s interests across the Nordic region.

Speaking at a Vin d’Honneur held at the Ambassador’s Residence in Stockholm after the credentialing ceremony, Akande expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting her with the responsibility of representing Nigeria abroad.

She also thanked the Swedish government and people for their warm reception, pledging to pursue a close, constructive and results-driven relationship between Nigeria and Sweden.

“The challenges and opportunities before our nations require purposeful partnership.

“Nigeria stands ready to work closely with the Government of Sweden, our fellow African missions and Nordic partners to advance shared priorities in trade, investment, innovation, sustainable development, peace and security”, Akande said.

The ambassador stressed the need for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, particularly in areas capable of driving economic growth, technology transfer, innovation and sustainable development.

She also acknowledged Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the African diplomatic group, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of the Embassy of Nigeria and the Nigerian community in Sweden for their support.

Akande emphasised the importance of African unity and collective action, saying sustainable development would be better achieved through collaboration, mutual respect and practical partnerships.

She is expected to present her Letters of Credence in Denmark, Finland and Norway in the coming weeks, creating further opportunities for Nigeria to deepen its economic and institutional engagement across the Nordic region.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Nordic Business Alliance (NNBA), led by its Director-General, Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, KJW, welcomed Akande’s credentialing as an opportunity to expand structured private-sector and institutional cooperation between Nigeria and the Nordic countries.

According to the Alliance, its role is to facilitate two-way access between Nigerian and Nordic investors, businesses and institutions while supporting practical partnerships in key sectors.

These include trade and investment, technology, innovation, skills development, infrastructure, maritime development and media collaboration.

The NNBA said it would work to translate the longstanding goodwill between Nigeria and the Nordic countries into concrete and measurable opportunities for businesses, institutions and communities on both sides.