FG, Nordic countries hold talks on trade, security, others
Federal Government, on Tuesday, received a delegation of Nordic countries seeking to expand their bilateral relationship with Nigeria. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who received them on behalf of the country, admitted that they had been consistent partners in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, particularly in the de-radicalisation and resettlement efforts in the Lake Chad region.
The delegation comprised Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tobias Billström; his Finland and Iceland counterparts, Ms Elina Valtonen and Ms Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, respectively. Others were the State Secretary for International Development, Norway, Bjørg Sandkjær, and Under Secretary for Foreign Policy, Denmark, Eva Marie Frida Barløse.
Tuggar, who addressed the media after he met with the delegation, disclosed that their discussions focused on deepening the relationship between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, which he said, dated back to Nigeria’s independence.
Their discussions also covered the enhancement of trade relations, with emphasis on Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to shift towards renewable energy sources.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had recently launched Compressed Natural Gas buses as part of a broader initiative to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
Consequently, Nigeria currently requires partnership in the area of renewable energy and such invitation by countries that are advanced in cyclical economy and renewable technology was seen as timely.
“These are the types of partners we want,” the minister said. He also highlighted potential collaborations in research and development, stressing that the Nordic model of integrating university research with business and government support was worth emulation, and identified the National Agency for Science, Engineering Infrastructure as a key player in this area, particularly in solar energy and CNG initiatives.
Tuggar equally explained that Nigeria had raised concerns about a controversial Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, with Finland and that the issue was being addressed.
Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister, Billström, who spoke on behalf of the Nordic delegation, recalled the longstanding and deep-rooted relationship between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, noting that Nigeria remained one of the leading Africa’s trading partners with the Nordic countries.
According to him, Nigeria plays a significant role on the global stage, especially in promoting peace and stability within West Africa and in supporting international cooperation efforts.
He commended President Tinubu for promoting democratic governance within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and lauded Nigeria’s support for strengthening ties between the United Nations and regional organisations.
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