Sweden to boost ties with Nigeria, opens Trade Office in Lagos

Sweden is taking steps to strengthen its economic and diplomatic relationship with Nigeria by establishing a trade office in Lagos, set to be inaugurated by Crown Princess Victoria Désirée on Tuesday.

Speaking at a reception held in her honour in Abuja, Crown Princess Victoria described the move as a reflection of the deepening partnership between both nations.

“As we heard, next year marks 56 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Over the decades, our bond has grown stronger, particularly in trade and economic cooperation,” she said.

The Crown Princess noted that Swedish-Nigerian collaboration now spans various sectors, including renewable energy, sustainable transport, and digital technology.

“A testament to this deepening partnership is Sweden’s new trade office in Lagos, which I have the great privilege of inaugurating tomorrow,” she added.

Princess Victoria also highlighted the strong cultural ties between Sweden and Nigeria. She pointed to the influence of Nigerian art and literature in Sweden, citing a bronze wind sculpture by renowned Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare. The sculpture, installed in 2022 at the Princess Estelle Sculpture Park in Stockholm, symbolises this cultural bond.

“In the winter, its purple batik prints from Nigeria create a very beautiful contrast with the white snow in Stockholm,” she said. “Seeing this artwork in the heart of Stockholm makes me both happy and proud. It’s a beautiful, permanent link between our two countries.”

Sweden’s ambassador to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund, emphasized the historic ties between both countries, noting that diplomatic relations were established in 1961—just after Nigeria gained independence.

“Next year, we will be celebrating 65 years of diplomatic ties,” she said, adding that bilateral cooperation has evolved across political, commercial, and cultural areas.

The ambassador also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential, particularly in innovation, digitalization, the green economy, and the creative industry.

“We already have about 40 Swedish companies present in Nigeria today, including multinationals like Ericsson, Atlas Copco, SKF, Arla, Scania, and Volvo. Smaller firms in edtech, fintech, agritech, and healthtech are also active,” Hahn-Englund said.

“With Business Sweden opening a trade office in Lagos, we expect even more trade and investment.”