The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, has reported significant improvements in Nigeria’s security over the past nine months, attributing this progress to the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to combat insecurity.
Dr. Ojo made these remarks during a meeting with Swedish Ambassador Annika Hahn-Englund, held in his office this week.
Highlighting the longstanding and strengthening ties between Nigeria and Sweden, Dr. Ojo noted a substantial increase in bilateral trade, which has now reached a value of $183 million.
He emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “We value our relationship with Sweden. Trade relationship from 1995 has been on the increase from US $29.6m. At the moment it is US $183m which is a 6.7% annual increase in terms of trade volume. This shows that the collaboration and partnership are working because when your growth rate goes to about 6.97% which is almost 7% per annum, it shows that the relationship is working.”
The Minister also praised the government’s initiatives to enhance national security, making Nigeria a more attractive destination for international business and cooperation. “We are winning the war against terrorism and violent extremism,” he asserted.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo assured the Swedish Ambassador that Nigeria is a promising and secure destination for global investment, and expressed optimism about future collaborations in economic, business, and migration control sectors.
Ambassador Hahn-Englund, in her remarks, indicated that her visit aimed to gain insights into the Ministry’s priorities, receive updates on the country’s security situation, and discuss Swedish investments in Nigeria.