Nigeria, Sweden Deepen Ties on Trade, Innovation, Regional Stability

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and Sweden have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with renewed focus on trade, innovation, and regional cooperation, as both countries seek to expand mutually beneficial partnerships.

This formed the outcome of a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

During the engagement, Ambassador Westerholm expressed Sweden’s appreciation for Nigeria’s hospitality since assuming office in August 2025, describing bilateral relations as cordial and built on strong goodwill. She reaffirmed Sweden’s readiness to deepen cooperation across key sectors of shared interest.

Central to the discussions was the expansion of economic ties, with Sweden identifying trade, investment, and strategic partnerships as priority areas. The envoy highlighted Sweden’s interest in supporting Nigeria’s transition towards a green and digital economy, particularly through collaboration in digital infrastructure, innovation, and technology development.

As a globally recognised innovation-driven economy, Sweden sees significant opportunities to partner with Nigeria in enhancing digital connectivity and strengthening its technological ecosystem.

Beyond technology, both countries explored potential collaboration in the energy sector and the creative industry.

Westerholm pointed to Nigeria’s growing global influence in music—especially Afrobeats—as a gateway for partnerships that could merge Swedish expertise in music production and business models with Nigeria’s vibrant creative economy.

In a move signalling stronger commercial engagement, Sweden recently established a trade office in Lagos, led by a government-appointed Trade Commissioner. The development follows earlier high-level engagements, including a visit by Sweden’s Crown Princess, underscoring Stockholm’s commitment to expanding trade and investment links with Africa’s largest economy.

On the multilateral front, Sweden commended Nigeria’s role as a reliable partner in promoting a rules-based international order, particularly through cooperation at the United Nations and other global platforms.

Regional security and political developments also featured prominently in the talks, with both sides exchanging views on the evolving situation in West Africa. Discussions focused on the Sahel region and the role of Economic Community of West African States in maintaining stability, including its engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Both parties acknowledged Nigeria’s strategic role in driving regional integration and fostering dialogue amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

In his remarks, Tuggar reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and regional cooperation frameworks as key responses to security and governance challenges across West Africa. He emphasised ongoing engagement with ECOWAS member states and regional partners to promote peace, stability, and sustainable solutions in the Sahel and beyond.

The minister also highlighted progress under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), noting that while frameworks for regional economic integration are largely established, increased private sector participation is essential to unlocking its full benefits.

Both countries agreed to sustain high-level consultations and explore new avenues of cooperation to further consolidate their longstanding relationship. As part of ongoing diplomatic engagements, Sweden’s State Secretary is expected to visit Nigeria in the coming days for further discussions.

The renewed partnership signals a shared commitment by Abuja and Stockholm to leverage trade, innovation, and diplomacy in advancing economic growth and regional stability.

Nigeria, Sweden Deepen Ties on Trade, Innovation, Regional Stability

Women’s Inclusion Key to Lasting Peace, Inclusive Governance — WANEP, GNWP

By: Michael Mike

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s peace and governance sector have renewed calls for the full inclusion of women in political and peacebuilding processes, describing it as indispensable to achieving sustainable peace and national stability.

The call was made by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Nigeria and the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) at a two-day town hall meeting held in Abuja under the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) frameworks.

The meeting, themed “Strengthening Local Leadership in WPS and YPS in Nigeria,” was organised by WANEP Nigeria with support from Global Affairs Canada.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of WANEP Nigeria Board, Kolawole Olatosimi, said the initiative is aimed at generating practical and community-driven solutions to deepen women’s leadership in governance and peacebuilding.

He noted that at a time when several communities are grappling with insecurity, there is a need for collective reflection and solidarity, while extending condolences to victims of recent attacks. According to him, evidence from peacebuilding efforts globally shows that durable peace is more achievable when women are actively involved in decision-making and conflict resolution.

Also speaking, National Network Coordinator of WANEP Nigeria, Bridget Osakwe, said the organisation continues to drive programmes across West Africa that promote nonviolence, democratic governance, and inclusive participation.

She explained that the WPS agenda is not limited to conflict zones but also addresses structural inequalities in everyday governance, which often worsen during crises. Osakwe emphasised that increasing women’s representation in politics remains critical to addressing election-related violence and entrenched barriers that limit their participation.

Highlighting strategies to overcome these challenges, she pointed to mentorship, dialogue, and peer learning among women leaders as essential tools for navigating political systems and strengthening collective influence. She also challenged prevailing stereotypes that frame women as lacking support systems, noting that political competition cuts across gender lines.

Representing GNWP, Ruth Abunaw Bison, drew attention to the realities faced by women leaders, particularly in conflict-affected communities, where insecurity, harassment, and institutional constraints continue to undermine their contributions.

She stressed that investing in women’s political leadership should be seen as a strategic pathway to peace and development, not merely a gender issue. According to her, the forum is designed to amplify women’s voices, strengthen advocacy efforts, and produce actionable recommendations that will advance both the WPS and YPS agendas in Nigeria.

Participants at the town hall expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among government institutions, civil society organisations, and international partners would help dismantle systemic barriers and create a more inclusive governance framework.

They agreed that empowering women at the grassroots level and integrating their perspectives into policy and decision-making processes would not only reduce conflict but also strengthen democratic institutions and promote long-term national cohesion.

Women’s Inclusion Key to Lasting Peace, Inclusive Governance — WANEP, GNWP

Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops under Operation Savannah Shield have arrested three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Security sources said the arrests were made at about 7:35 a.m. on March 15 by troops stationed at a Forward Operating Base in Kaiama.

According to the sources, troops initially apprehended a suspect who was allegedly planning to supply three motorcycles to a terrorist group.

Further investigation led to the arrest of two other suspected terrorists believed to be members of Islamic State West Africa Province/Boko Haram, who had reportedly arrived in Kaiama to receive the motorcycles.

The suspects were said to be planning to transport the motorcycles to terrorists operating in Nuku village.

The suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue.

Troops arrest three ISWAP terrorist logistics suppliers in Kwara