Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Sweden during a high-profile meeting with Crown Princess Victoria at the State House in Abuja on Monday. The Swedish royal’s three-day official visit marks a significant step in strengthening diplomatic and economic cooperation between both nations.
Shettima described the visit as “the opening of doors to deeper institutional relations and greater cultural exchange,” emphasizing Nigeria’s eagerness to collaborate with Sweden in renewable energy, precision agriculture, healthcare innovation, and gender inclusion. The Vice President highlighted tangible outcomes from his October 2024 visit to Stockholm, including a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Swedish telecom giant Ericsson to support 5G innovation in Nigeria.
Crown Princess Victoria expressed enthusiasm about the growing partnership, stating, “It’s wonderful to see the opportunities here… Sweden should have established a physical trade office in Nigeria long ago.” Her remarks coincided with Sweden’s announcement of opening its Nigerian trade office on Tuesday, building on 65 years of bilateral relations.
Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carlson, noted the establishment of five innovation hubs in Africa—with the largest in Lagos—as evidence of growing economic ties. Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar added that discussions covered potential cooperation in green energy, ICT, and structured labor migration through Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps program.
In a separate meeting with Ericsson executives, Shettima urged the tech firm to expand its Nigerian investments, particularly in innovation hubs supporting small businesses. Ericsson’s Majda Lahlou Kassi reaffirmed the company’s commitment, citing Nigeria’s strategic importance in their African operations.
The visit signals a new chapter in Nigeria-Sweden relations, with both nations positioning themselves as key partners in Africa’s digital transformation and sustainable development agenda.
