The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has expressed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and regional cooperation mechanisms as essential tools for addressing the region’s complex security and governance challenges
The Minister said this in a remark when he received in audience the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Nigeria, H.E. Anna Westerholm, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday 16 March 2026.
According to a statement by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of foreign affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr, both sides reaffirmed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in key sectors.
The Honourable Minister also highlighted the importance of regional economic integration, noting the progress achieved under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), which facilitates the free movement of goods and services across member states, observing that while the legal and regulatory frameworks for regional integration are largely in place, greater awareness and participation from the private sector remain necessary to fully realise the benefits of the integration process
During the meeting, Ambassador Westerholm conveyed Sweden’s appreciation for Nigeria’s warm hospitality since her assumption of duty in August 2025 and commended the cordial relations between the two countries. She acknowledged the strong goodwill and openness she has encountered in Nigeria and expressed Sweden’s readiness to deepen engagement across multiple areas of mutual interest.
The Swedish Ambassador also highlighted trade, investment, and partnerships as central priorities for Sweden’s engagement with Nigeria. She emphasised Sweden’s interest in supporting Nigeria’s green and digital transition, particularly through cooperation in digital infrastructure, innovation, and technology development.
“As a leading technology and innovation-driven economy, Sweden sees considerable opportunities to collaborate with Nigeria in strengthening digital connectivity and infrastructure”‘ the ambassador said.
In addition to technology, the Ambassador highlighted potential collaboration in the energy sector, as well as in the cultural and creative industries, particularly in music production and the broader creative economy.
She recognized the global influence of Nigeria’s Afrobeats and creative talent and noted prospects for partnerships that could combine Swedish expertise in music production and business models with Nigeria’s vibrant creative sector.
Ambassador Westerholm further informed the Minister that Sweden had recently upgraded its commercial engagement in Nigeria, including the establishment of a Swedish Trade Office in Lagos led by a government-appointed Trade Commissioner.
This development followed the earlier visit of the Swedish Crown Princess to Nigeria and signals Sweden’s intention to strengthen trade and investment ties with Nigeria.
On the political and multilateral front, the Ambassador commended Nigeria’s continued role as a like-minded partner in upholding the international rules-based order, including cooperation at the United Nations on key resolutions and global governance issues. She also reiterated Sweden’s commitment to continued collaboration with Nigeria within international and regional frameworks.
Discussions also covered regional developments in West Africa, particularly the situation in the Sahel and the evolving dynamics within ECOWAS, including relations with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Both sides recognised Nigeria’s pivotal role in promoting stability, regional integration, and constructive dialogue across the region.
Both parties agreed to continue high-level consultations and explore additional avenues for cooperation that will further deepen the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between Nigeria and Sweden.
The State Secretary of Sweden is expected to visit Nigeria next week for high-level discussions
