Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, engaged in diplomatic discussions on Tuesday with the Foreign Ministers of Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and representatives from Norway and Denmark.
The Abuja meeting centred on strengthening the decades-long bond between Nigeria and the Nordic nations, which dates back to Nigeria’s independence.
The delegation includes the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Finland, and Iceland: Mr. Tobias Billström, Ms. Elina Valtonen, and Mr. Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, respectively.
Additionally, the delegation features representatives from Norway and Denmark: Mr. Bjørg Sandkjær, State Secretary for International Development, and Ms. Eva Marie Frida Barløse, Under Secretary for Foreign Policy.
In a press briefing following the meeting, Tuggar stressed the significance of the relationship, noting that Finland was among the first nations to recognise Nigeria as a republic.
He said: “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.”
The meeting delved into the expansion of trade cooperation, with a focus on Nigeria’s commitment to embracing renewable energy alternatives.
Tuggar showcased President Bola Tinubu’s innovative launch of compressed natural gas buses, a key component of Nigeria’s strategy to decrease dependence on imported petroleum products, and commended the Nordic countries for their pioneering work in the circular economy and renewable energy.
He also explored potential partnerships in research and development, noting the Nordic approach of combining academic research with industry and government backing.
Tuggar identified Nigeria’s National Agency for Science, Engineering, and Infrastructure as a crucial entity in this sphere, especially in solar energy and CNG projects.
He drew attention to Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps, a program that has been providing Nigerian expertise to various regions since 1987, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to global development and its respected international standing.
During the talks, Tuggar also confirmed that Nigeria had raised concerns about controversial Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa with Finland, addressing the issue “vociferously.”
He said: “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.”
Speaking for the Nordic group, Billström stressed the deep-seated and historic ties between Nigeria and the Nordic countries, adding that Nigeria ranks among their top trading partners in Africa.
He further highlighted Nigeria’s significant role on the global stage, particularly in promoting peace and stability within West Africa and in supporting international cooperation efforts.
Billström commended Tinubu for his dedication to fostering stability and democracy within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and praised Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing collaboration between the United Nations and regional entities.
He said: “Nigeria is a prominent actor on the regional and global stage and plays an important role in maintaining peace and furthering international cooperation.
“We highly appreciate the Nigerian Presidency’s efforts to promote stability and democracy within ECOWAS, and support ongoing efforts to further enhance cooperation between the United Nations and regional organisations.”
The adoption of Security Council Resolution 2719, which addresses Africa’s under-representation in the UN Security Council, was a key focus of the minister’s remarks.
Minister Billström confirmed the Nordic nations’ backing for a broader Security Council, encompassing additional permanent and non-permanent members, in recognition of Africa’s escalating influence in global affairs.
He said: “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.
“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 international rules-based order, democracy, and human rights.”
He also discussed pressing global issues, notably Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine, which he warned poses a significant threat to international peace and stability.
He commended Nigeria’s resolute and unwavering position at the UN General Assembly, upholding international law and the fundamental principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Billström stressed that this visit underscores the robust partnership between Nigeria and the Nordic nations.
He said the collaboration spans various critical areas, including global and regional security, trade, investment, human rights, democracy, and combating climate change.
Billström said: “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.”
The five Nordic ministers made history with their visit, as it was the first joint visit by Nordic ministers to take place outside of Europe.
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