By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
Nigerian Government aims to strengthen bilateral relations with the Republic of Sweden in the fields of capacity building, technological innovation, energy, water resources, climate change, and digital innovation.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, announced this during a courtesy visit from the Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria to his office on Monday.
Bagudu expressed gratitude to the Ambassador for the partnership and for the willingness to support Nigeria through training programmes and projects.
According to him, “We are a federation, we will offer project preparatory support to our nationals and resilient opportunities to support them in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration”.
The minister called for investment-ready projects while emphasising that Nigeria is a constitutional market economy with plans to achieve private sector-led growth in infrastructure, energy, water resources, and digital innovation.
The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Anna Westerholm, recognised the Ministry’s vital role in coordinating budget and national development plans for the country’s socio-economic progress.
She said the visit aimed to understand the country’s vision and needs for the coming years in order to propose concrete steps and actions for support.
The Ambassador said the Republic of Sweden was willing to offer expertise to support Nigeria’s development priorities and projects that align with international standards.
Westerholm stated, “Our vision for development cooperation should be beneficial to both countries. As such, practical, tailor-made programmes will be developed through sustainable project preparation and investment readiness, translating into bankable projects.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Deborah Odoh, expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s partnership with the Republic of Sweden, which has lasted over 64 years, and she hopes this partnership will continue to strengthen.
Both parties promised to sign bilateral agreements that will mark the start of relations in areas such as infrastructure, energy, water resources, and digital innovation, among others.
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