Sweden opens honorary consulate in Lagos to promote economic interests
The Kingdom of Sweden has opened a new consulate in Lagos to broaden economic co-operation between Nigeria and the Nordic country.
The new Swedish consulate was inaugurated on Thursday by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Landmark Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos.
At the ceremony, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Carl Michael Gräns, said that the consulate in Lagos would be a meeting point for trade and socio-cultural activities for both countries.
Gräns emphasized that Sweden’s first embassy was opened in Nigeria on October 1, 1961, and added that both countries were celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations.
“Right now we want to broaden our financial cooperation and that is one of the reasons why this honorary consulate has been opened.
“We understand that the pandemic has damaged companies and relationships a lot, but we want to get closer and be a significant part of the economic recovery,” said the Swedish envoy.
He said that the new honorary consul would consult the affairs of Swedish citizens and Nigerians in business matters as well as cultural promotion.
Philip Akesson, newly appointed Swedish Honorary Consul in Lagos, said that his primary task was to help Swedish citizens in Nigeria with consular matters, while supporting Swedish companies in the necessary ways.
Akesson said that during his 10 years in Nigeria, he fell in love with Nigerians’ entrepreneurial energy, warmth, economic culture and drive.
“There are many opportunities in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, and I believe that the relationship between the two countries will continue to be strengthened.
“I look forward to supporting our Swedish companies and also to supporting the embassy in Abuja as they work to improve ties, friendships and promote trade between the two nations,” Akesson said.
Sanwo-Olu inaugurates the new Swedish honorary consulate and says that Lagos is open to more business partnerships with Sweden.
According to the governor, the mission’s presence in Lagos will further strengthen Swedish-Nigerian companies, leading to mutually beneficial economic, cultural and political results.
– It is exciting to know that the bilateral relations between Sweden and Nigeria extend over sixty years. This speaks to our partnership and I appreciate the Swedish government for putting this together.
“Many companies and sovereign nations in Nigeria realize that even though we have a thriving capital city in Abuja, in order for them to be close to the citizens, activate businesses and initiate cultural activities, there is always a feeling that they must have a footprint in Lagos.
“This partnership is not just about what Lagos stands for but also the benefits we can all derive from bilateral relations, and today the Swedish government has done the most appropriate thing,” said Sanwo-Olu.
(NAN)