By Woke Joshua
Nigeria is seeking to deepen trade, investment, innovation and economic cooperation with Sweden and other Nordic countries as Ambassador Lola Akande formally assumes her diplomatic assignment in Sweden.
Akande presented her Letters of Credence to King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in Stockholm, marking the commencement of her tenure as Nigeria’s ambassador to the country. She is concurrently accredited to Denmark, Finland and Norway.
At a Vin d’Honneur held at the Ambassador’s Residence in Stockholm after the ceremony, Akande expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in her to represent Nigeria.
She also thanked the Swedish government and people for their warm reception, pledging to foster a close, constructive and results-oriented relationship between Nigeria and Sweden.
“The challenges and opportunities before our nations require purposeful partnership,” the ambassador said.
“Nigeria stands ready to work closely with the Government of Sweden, our fellow African missions and Nordic partners to advance shared priorities in trade, investment, innovation, sustainable development, peace and security.”
Akande called for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and the Nordic countries in areas capable of driving economic growth, technology transfer, innovation and sustainable development.
She also acknowledged the support of Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the African diplomatic group, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of the Embassy of Nigeria and the Nigerian community in Sweden.
The ambassador emphasised the importance of African unity and collective action, noting that sustainable development would be better achieved through collaboration, mutual respect and practical partnerships.
She is expected to present her Letters of Credence in Denmark, Finland and Norway in the coming weeks, further broadening Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagement across the Nordic region.
NNBA Backs Stronger Nigeria-Nordic Business Ties
The Nigeria Nordic Business Alliance (NNBA), led by its Director-General, Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, KJW, has welcomed Akande’s appointment as an opportunity to strengthen private-sector and institutional cooperation between Nigeria and the Nordic countries.
The Alliance said it would promote two-way access for Nigerian and Nordic investors, businesses and institutions while facilitating partnerships in trade and investment, technology, innovation, skills development, infrastructure, maritime development and media collaboration.
According to the NNBA, its objective is to convert the longstanding goodwill between Nigeria and the Nordic countries into concrete and measurable opportunities for businesses, institutions and communities on both sides.
The development comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to attract foreign investment, strengthen international economic partnerships and expand opportunities for Nigerian businesses in strategic global markets.