On Tuesday, a high-profile delegation from Nordic countries arrived in Nigeria with a strong interest in working together with the West African giant to address the growing threat of violent extremism.
The foreign ministers from Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden met with Nigerian officials to explore potential areas for cooperation. In a joint press briefing, they highlighted Nigeria’s importance as a major trading partner and a reliable ally in upholding international law and tackling global issues.
“This joint visit to Nigeria is of particular importance to us,” said Tobias Billström, Sweden’s foreign minister. “Nigeria is not only one of our largest trading partners in Africa but also a steadfast ally in upholding international laws and addressing global challenges including climate change and countering the spread of violent extremists in West Africa.”
The Nordic countries bring extensive experience in counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and development aid. Their proposed partnership with Nigeria aims to enhance areas such as intelligence sharing, strengthening security forces, and supporting community initiatives to prevent radicalization.
Nigeria has been battling Boko Haram and other extremist groups for over a decade, leading to thousands of deaths and displacements. While the government has made notable progress in fighting the insurgency, challenges remain. The new partnership with the Nordic countries is seen as a strategic step to enhance Nigeria’s counterterrorism capabilities and contribute to regional stability.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
