Nigeria, Sweden Review Ties, Deepen Cooperation in Trade, Security

Nigeria and Sweden have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, investment, and regional security, following a high-level meeting in Abuja.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, on behalf of the Federal Government, received the Secretary of State of the Kingdom of Sweden, Diana Janse, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Abuja.

The meeting offered both countries an opportunity to review their bilateral relations and discuss areas of shared interest, including trade, investment, and regional security.

In her remarks, Diana Janse expressed appreciation for the engagement and reaffirmed Sweden’s interest in strengthening its partnership with Nigeria. She noted Nigeria’s strategic importance within the European framework and referenced ongoing efforts to deepen relations through recent high-level engagements, including the Nigeria–EU Ministerial Dialogue.

Responding, the Permanent Secretary acknowledged the contributions of Swedish companies to Nigeria’s economy and commended Sweden’s continued engagement through institutional partnerships and official visits.

Both sides agreed on the need to expand economic cooperation, particularly in renewable energy, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and digital technology. The Permanent Secretary highlighted the role of the Swedish Trade Office in Lagos in promoting business relations and encouraged more Swedish companies to explore opportunities in Nigeria.

Discussions also recognised the role of major Swedish firms such as Ericsson and Scania, including ongoing efforts to supply biogas-powered buses to Lagos State as part of a broader push for sustainable transport solutions.

On cultural relations, both countries expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in the creative sector. Sweden also reiterated its commitment to the repatriation of Benin artefacts, describing it as an important step toward building trust and deepening ties.

The meeting addressed challenges related to financial transactions, with both sides agreeing to explore more efficient and secure banking channels to support trade and investment.

On multilateral issues, Nigeria sought Sweden’s support for its candidatures in international organisations, including the United Nations Human Rights Council. The Swedish delegation welcomed the request and indicated that further diplomatic consultations would continue.

Both countries also exchanged views on regional security in the Sahel and West Africa, stressing the need for stronger international collaboration to address terrorism, transnational crime, and related challenges. Sweden reaffirmed its support for peace and stability efforts through humanitarian and development initiatives.

The importance of digital transformation was also highlighted, with both sides noting the role of secure and reliable technology in attracting sustainable investment.

At the end of the meeting, both parties expressed satisfaction with the discussions and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Nigeria–Sweden relations across political, economic, and cultural areas. They also agreed to sustain high-level engagements and fast-track pending agreements.

Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Abuja