During her recent official visit to Nigeria, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden reaffirmed and expanded diplomatic ties, highlighting shared ambitions in economic growth, youth empowerment, sustainable innovation, and cultural exchange.
65 years of diplomatic relations
When Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden stepped onto Nigerian soil on April 7, a few weeks after her name day, the visit drew attention for more than just diplomacy.
On 12 March, she had appeared in military uniform at the Royal Palace in Stockholm for her name day celebrations, a striking departure from tradition that signalled her evolving role.
Her three-day royal visit to Nigeria — starting in Abuja and ending in Lagos — was a clear reinforcement of the growing relationship between Sweden and Nigeria.
“Next year marks 65 years of diplomatic relations between our countries. Over the decades, our bond has grown stronger, particularly in trade and economic cooperation,” the Crown Princess said during an intimate cocktail reception at the Swedish Ambassador’s residence in Abuja.
Though ceremonial in form, the visit was strategic in function.
Accompanied by Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson, the Crown Princess began her visit with meetings with Vice President Kashim Shettima and Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar. Picking up from discussions months earlier in Stockholm, she said, “Just six months ago, I had the pleasure of welcoming your Vice President and your Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Royal Palace.”
“Today, our collaboration spans many sectors, from renewable energy and sustainable transport to digital solutions,” she said, outlining a modern diplomatic vision.
Investing in the future
A standout moment in Abuja was Crown Princess Victoria’s visit to the LEA preschool in Jabi. The visit was organised with UNICEF, Sweden’s largest humanitarian partner in Nigeria.
At the school, the Crown Princess presented a translated copy of the beloved Swedish children’s book Pippi Longstocking, now available in Nigerian Pidgin. The symbolic gesture was indicative of Sweden’s support for education and culture.
“Many Swedes have gained a deeper understanding of Nigerian culture through the works of Nobel laureate in literature, Wole Soyinka,” she said.
She also highlighted the brilliance of Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare’s Wind Sculpture, now located at the Princess Estelle Sculpture Park in Stockholm: “In the winter, its purple batik prints from Nigeria create a beautiful contrast with the white snow in Sweden. The sculpture also captures the lightness of the air, despite being crafted from solid, heavy bronze, which is quite amazing.”
“Seeing this artwork in the heart of Stockholm makes me both happy and proud,” she added.
That evening, Ambassador Annika Hahn-Englund and her spouse hosted a cocktail reception at the Swedish residence attended by government officials, Nordic community members, and Sweden-Nigeria alumni. “Our strong bond is also evident in the rich cultural exchange between Nigeria and Sweden. This is reflected in art, music, fashion, film, and literature,” the Crown Princess noted.
Green innovation and climate action
In Lagos, the agenda focused on trade and sustainability. Crown Princess Victoria inaugurated the Swedish Trade Office and met Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, alongside Nigerian and Swedish officials.
At the Nigeria-Sweden Business Forum in Lekki, she said, “More than just a place of business, this office is a bridge between our nations.”
“Together, we are not only reinforcing our economic ties but also taking decisive steps towards a greener, more sustainable future.”
The theme of the forum, “Driving Innovation and Investing in Green Infrastructure for Sustainable Impact,” provided a strong backdrop for her remarks. “It reflects one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the urgent need to accelerate the green transition,” she said.
Her inspiring address articulated the urgency of global collaboration in the face of climate challenges, stating: “It is truly inspiring to see Nigerian and Swedish companies joining forces—co-developing solutions, sharing expertise, and driving innovation.”
But for the Crown Princess, that collaboration must extend beyond the private sector. “The green transition cannot succeed through business partnerships alone. That is why I am pleased to see our industries working closely with academia and civil society,” she added.
The visit aligned closely with Sweden’s global focus on sustainability. “I look forward to learning more about the fantastic country of Nigeria, and about ongoing initiatives between our countries,” she said.
Community dialogue at Tomaro Island
One of the most engaging parts of the Lagos itinerary was the field visit to Tomaro Island, where Crown Princess Victoria met with residents directly impacted by climate change. The visit offered a glimpse into the everyday realities of communities dependent on coastal and marine ecosystems.
Travelling by boat alongside Minister Andreas Carlson, UNDP Assistant Administrator Ahunna Eziakonwa, and a representative of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, the Crown Princess listened as local leaders explained how the lagoon supports fishing, transportation, and economic survival—yet remains under threat due to rising water levels and environmental degradation.
Meeting the next generation of innovators
At the UNDP Innovation Centre in Ikoyi, the Crown Princess met and interacted with young Nigerian entrepreneurs working on digital solutions to climate and sustainability challenges.
Their ideas ranged from clean energy to circular economy models, showcasing the kind of scalable innovation that both Sweden and Nigeria are invested in.
“It is truly inspiring to see Nigerian and Swedish companies joining forces, co-developing solutions, sharing expertise, and driving innovation,” she said. “Thanks to this collaboration, I look forward to seeing even more in the near future.”
Her message was clear: sustainability is not just about policies, but it’s about people. Young people. The kind who imagine the future and are bold enough to build it. Hence, sustainability efforts must be people-driven, and innovation should be supported at every level.
Fashion diplomacy: a showcase of cultural collaboration
That same spirit of creative exchange found expression at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos, where the Swedish Embassy, in collaboration with Lagos Fashion Week and the Swedish Institute, hosted a high-level fashion showcase.
Crown Princess Victoria attended the event, which featured Swedish designers Maxjenny Forslund and Selam Fessahaye alongside Nigerian fashion trailblazers Emmy Kasbit and Lisa Folawiyo. The showcase was a cultural dialogue stitched in fabric, silhouettes, and shared values.
“Sweden has much to learn from Nigeria, especially in fashion and design,” said Ambassador Annika Hahn-Englund in her welcome remarks. “Tonight, we celebrate this with the language of design, where creativity, craftsmanship, and sustainability unite.”
Fessahaye, known for designing costumes for the Gustavia Ballet, and Forslund, famous for her bold digital prints, presented collections that resonated with local and global narratives. They stood alongside Nigerian designers who are redefining the global perception of African fashion—making the showcase not just a display, but a statement.
Closing reflections: culture, continuity and connection
Before wrapping up her visit, Crown Princess Victoria explored the pulse of Lagos in its most grounded form. She visited Balogun Market—one of Africa’s largest textile markets—and later, the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History. At both locations, she was met with music, dance, and warmth.
“Our strong bond is also evident in the rich cultural exchange between Nigeria and Sweden,” she said earlier during her visit. “This is reflected in art, music, fashion, film, and literature.”
The guided tour, led by Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture Toke Benson-Awoyinka, marked a meaningful end to a visit rooted in diplomacy, empathy, and mutual curiosity.
“My wish is for this to be the beginning of an even stronger partnership—one that drives progress, inspires change, and creates opportunities for generations to come,” she said. cc“The physical distance may be vast between our nations, but the gap between our peoples grows smaller, as our relations continue to flourish.”
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