ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Nigeria and Sweden on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through enhanced trade, sustainable development, gender equality, and cultural exchange.
Reports that the agreement was reached during a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Princess Victoria, is on a three-day official visit to Nigeria as part of efforts to enhance diplomatic and economic relations between Sweden and Nigeria.
Shettima said Nigeria would continue to be a dependable ally of Sweden in all seasons.
According to him, both countries are poised for a partnership “anchored in innovation, powered by people, and guided by our shared determination to uplift communities and secure prosperity for generations to come.”
Shettima described the Crown Princess’s visit to Nigeria as opening doors to deeper institutional relations and greater cultural exchange between both nations.
He noted that the visit was not only a continuation of dialogue but also a new chapter for both nations.
“This moment opens the door to deeper institutional ties, stimulates business-to-business collaboration, and fosters greater cultural exchange.
“We are particularly excited about opportunities in renewable energy, precision agriculture, healthcare innovation, and gender inclusion.
“These are areas where Sweden has much to offer, and Nigeria is eager to learn,” the VP said.
The vice-president recalled his high-level engagement in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, in October 2024, when he represented President Bola Tinubu.
He pointed out that the visit marked a turning point in the bilateral relations between both countries.
” From the warm hospitality extended by the Swedish government to the visionary discussions we had with Your Royal Highness, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and the captains of Swedish industry.
” We returned to Nigeria energised by a new momentum—one that has since translated into tangible outcomes for both our peoples.
“Our meetings in Sweden in 2024 were not ceremonial; they were catalytic.
” They opened doors to strategic collaborations and renewed our commitment to making Nigeria a fertile ground for innovation, investment, and sustainable development.
“One of the most consequential outcomes of that visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Ericsson to support 5G innovation across our country.
“Beyond the digital frontier, Swedish enterprises continue to invest in Nigeria’s human capital and sustainable development.
“We applaud SchoolTry, the Swedish edtech company, for its continued work in transforming educational outcomes in Nigeria.”
Shettima told the Crown Princess that the aforementioned partnerships were “building blocks in a broader architecture of cooperation.
” This positions Sweden as a key partner in Nigeria’s journey towards digital inclusion, educational reform, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy transition.”
Earlier, Princess Victoria expressed optimism about deepening relations between Sweden and Nigeria, stating that the current era called for enhanced collaboration.
“It would be wonderful for Sweden to have a physical trade office in Nigeria.
“This is something that should have been done long ago,” she said.
Also speaking, Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Mr Andreas Carlson, praised the growing partnership between the two countries.
“We see numerous opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in innovation, the tech sector, and other areas where we can learn from each other.
“This collaboration will help shape a better future for our people,” Carlson said.
He announced that Sweden’s trade office in Nigeria was set to officially open Tuesday (tomorrow), further solidifying a bilateral relationship that had spanned over 65 years.
“There has also been a strong business relationship between both countries. The MoU signed during your visit to Stockholm is a testament to this,” he added.
Carlson highlighted that Sweden had established five innovation hubs across Africa, with the largest located in Lagos.
“There is great potential in sectors like health, agriculture, and more,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, also spoke about ongoing discussions with the Crown Princess.
According to him, they touch on trade and investment, agriculture, green energy (including solar and green hydrogen), ICT, and business outsourcing, particularly in relation to employment for skilled Nigerian workers.
He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Technical Aid Corps, planned to collaborate with countries interested in hiring Nigerian workers in a structured manner to reduce irregular migration.
In a related development, vice president Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with Swedish tech giant, Ericsson, by swiftly operationalising the MoU signed earlier in 2024.
Shettima made this known while receiving a delegation from Ericsson to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The team was led by Mr Patrick Johansson, the company’s Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
He noted that Ericsson had been part of Nigeria’s digital evolution, recalling the firm’s pioneering role in the early stages of the country’s tech ecosystem.
“She has remained a faithful partner in progress and a collaborator in our transformation journey,” Shettima said.
He commended Ericsson for its investment in innovation hubs and support for small businesses in Nigeria, calling it a testament to the firm’s enduring partnership with the country.
“We cherish our relationship with Sweden and your company,” Shettima added.
“We are a large nation with a tech-savvy population. Many of Africa’s tech unicorns are Nigerian-based. The future is Nigeria.”
On his part, Johansson emphasised the importance of deepening Ericsson’s partnership with Nigeria through grassroots innovation and entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, Mr Majda Lahlou Kassi, the company’s Vice President and Head of Customer Units, West and South Africa at Ericsson Middle East & Africa, said Nigeria occupied an important place in the company’s history.
He said Ericsson believed in Nigeria’s potential and was proud of the existing relationship, especially the possibilities for growth in the local market and entrenchment of a digital culture among the citizenry.NAN)
