By Prevail Inegbenose
Nigeria has moved to deepen its economic, trade, investment and innovation partnerships with Sweden and other Nordic countries following the formal presentation of Letters of Credence by Ambassador Lola Akande to King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
The ceremony in Stockholm formally marked the beginning of Akande’s diplomatic mission in Sweden, with the ambassador also concurrently accredited to Denmark, Finland and Norway.
Speaking at a Vin d’Honneur held at the Ambassador’s Residence in Stockholm after the credentialing ceremony, Akande expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting her with the responsibility of representing Nigeria abroad.
She also thanked the Swedish government and people for their warm reception, pledging to pursue a close, constructive and results-driven relationship between Nigeria and Sweden.
“The challenges and opportunities before our nations require purposeful partnership,” Akande 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.”
The ambassador stressed the need for stronger Nigeria-Nordic cooperation in areas capable of driving economic growth, technology transfer, innovation and sustainable development.
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Akande also acknowledged Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, members of the African diplomatic group and Diplomatic Corps, officials of the Embassy of Nigeria and the Nigerian community in Sweden for their support.
She further emphasised the importance of African unity and collective action, noting that sustainable development would be better achieved through collaboration, mutual respect and practical partnerships.
The ambassador is expected to present her Letters of Credence in Denmark, Finland and Norway in the coming weeks, further expanding Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagement across the Nordic region.
NNBA Backs Stronger Nigeria-Nordic Cooperation
The Nigeria Nordic Business Alliance (NNBA), led by its Director-General, Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, KJW, welcomed Akande’s credentialing as an opportunity to strengthen private-sector and institutional cooperation between Nigeria and the Nordic countries.
The Alliance said it seeks to facilitate two-way access between Nigerian and Nordic investors, businesses and institutions while supporting practical partnerships across key sectors.
It identified trade and investment, technology, innovation, skills development, infrastructure, maritime development and media collaboration as areas with potential for deeper cooperation.
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The NNBA said it would work to translate the longstanding goodwill between Nigeria and the Nordic countries into concrete opportunities for businesses, institutions and communities on both sides.
The development comes as Nigeria seeks to expand international economic partnerships, attract investment and create greater opportunities for Nigerian businesses in strategic global markets.