NABA

ICYMI: Catch my conversation with @AkinolaLanre, Head of Content at @NABAorg, where I discussed Nigeria’s G20 bid, our UN Security Council aspirations, AfCFTA opportunities, fintech growth, and the importance of climate action & green economy partnerships.bit.ly/48EADvv

At a roundtable discussion on “Maritime and Offshore Industry in Africa,” I engaged with H.E. Mamadou Sangafowa-Coulibaly (Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Republic of Ivory Coast), Mr. Dag Kilen (Head of Fearnresearch, Fearnleys), and Mr. Kai Simon Eikli Yuen (International Advisor, The Norwegian Shipowners' Association), to explore key trends shaping Africa’s maritime and offshore sector. Discussions focused on strengthening maritime and offshore investments between Africa and Norway, addressing challenges and opportunities in the oil and energy sectors, particularly regarding gas and oil supplies. I emphasized the importance of enhancing security around Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea, positioning the region as a vital shipping hub. #NordicAfricanBusinessSummit

Last week concluded with my participation at the 13th Nordic-African Business Summit in Oslo, Norway. The summit provided an excellent platform to discuss Nigeria’s evolving role in the global economy and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration with Norway. I had a productive meeting with H.E. @EspenBarthEide, Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs @NorwayMFA. We discussed Norway’s support for Nigeria’s regional security efforts and Nigeria’s role in sustaining democracy within ECOWAS. We also explored cooperation in health, agriculture, and green energy, with Nigeria ready to provide necessary guarantees for funding and risk management. I met with Tellef Thorleifsson, CEO of @Norfund, to discuss Nigeria’s economic stabilization efforts and investment protection. We proposed partnerships with agencies like NSIA for green energy projects and climate change initiatives, with an invitation to establish a NORFUND office in Abuja. During my meeting with @KarolineLinde, CEO @LaerdalGH, and Gudleik Njå, CEO of Laerdal Group, we reviewed their ongoing projects, including tech-startup investments and efforts to reduce infant and maternal mortality in Nigeria. We discussed replicating the Safer Birth Initiative, which will provide training to 120,000 healthcare workers. Finally, in a keynote conversation with @AkinolaLanre, Head of Content at @NABAorg, we explored Nigeria’s role in the evolving global order. Discussions focused on the G20 bid, and the call for a permanent UN Security Council seat. We also emphasized the growing role of emerging economies, the AfCFTA, and Nigeria’s fintech sector, focusing on new alliances for trade, climate action, and the green economy. #NABA2024

Nigeria's relationship with the Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark) has evolved over decades, marked by diplomatic exchanges, trade, and strategic partnerships. These nations, known for their commitment to democracy, rule of law, and international cooperation, share values that align with Nigeria's goals. Today, we are honoured to welcome the Foreign Ministers of Sweden @TobiasBillstrom (Head of Delegation), Finland @elinavaltonen, Iceland @thordiskolbrun, and representatives from Norway @BjorgSandkjaer and Denmark, Eva Marie Frida Barløse, to Nigeria. This visit focused on key areas of collaboration: regional security, trade and investment, democracy, and climate change. As we pursue our Renewed Hope Agenda, this partnership offers immense potential to drive socio-economic progress, advance sustainable development goals, foster innovation, and enhance global cooperation. #NigeriaNordicRelations