The Swedish Embassy in Nigeria has opened a new consulate in Lagos in order to strengthen business interests, travels, and relationships between Sweden and Nigeria.
The Swedish Consulate, which was inaugurated on Thursday by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Landmark Towers on Victoria Island in Lagos, is said to be part of efforts to accelerate economic recovery in both countries following the pandemic.
Carl Michael Gräns, Swedish Ambassador in Nigeria, said during the Consulate’s inauguration that Swedish companies in Nigeria are doing well and have found ways to move forward, adding that the outlook for 2022 appears to be positive.
“I just met with the governor, Sanwo-Olu, and he is very busy in so many ways and on so many projects.” Lagos is a very large city with a lot going on. Lagos also faces significant challenges in terms of traffic and waste management, so we want to demonstrate to Swedish and other Nordic companies that are active and successful in these areas that we can collaborate to make Lagos a better place.
“I am a government representative, and I try to present companies to the government, as I did today and during the Nordic Nigeria Connect, and they are private companies with special competencies in the areas and are open to social development,” he said. Gräns
He revealed that each year, Sweden sees an increase in the number of students coming to study there, and the Nordic country wants this to continue.
“Talented young Nigerians are being educated in Sweden.” Some of them start businesses and return to Nigeria. This is about social progress. “In terms of student education, we have seen a 9% increase,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Philip Akesson, the newly appointed Honorary Consul of Sweden in Lagos, stated that his primary responsibility was to assist Swedish citizens in Nigeria with consular matters, as well as to assist Swedish companies in any way that was necessary.
Akesson stated that he fell in love with the entrepreneurial energy, warmth, and economic culture of Nigeria during his ten years there.
“There are numerous opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, and I believe that the relationship between the two countries will continue to improve.”
“I look forward to supporting our Swedish businesses as well as the embassy in Abuja as they work to strengthen ties, friendship, and trade between both nations,” Akesson said.
Sanwo-Olu, who inaugurated the new Swedish Honorary Consulate, stated that Lagos is open to more businesses and is ready to collaborate with willing partners.
“While we have a thriving capital in Abuja, there is always a sense that they must have a presence in Lagos,” he said.
“It’s really about what Lagos represents and the benefits that we can all see when you have a consulate that is just being handed over to Swedish citizens, businesses, and the Nigerian community.” More mutually beneficial cultural, economic, and political benefits will be realized by both countries.
“We are delighted that you recognize Lagos’s deserving status, and I would like to thank the Swedish government for putting this together for us.” I can assure you that the Lagos community and business community will make excellent use of this facility.”
