The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo said that the security situation in the country has improved in the last nine months, as the Federal Government has put in efforts to stem the tide of insecurity.
The Minister said this when he received the Swedish Ambassador, Her Excellency, Annika Hahn-Englund in his office during the week.
Dr. Ojo hailed the historic relationship between Nigeria and Sweden, adding that Nigeria’s trade volume with the Kingdom of Sweden has risen over the years and is now valued at $183 Million.
According to the Minister, Sweden is one of Nigeria’s important trade partners. In his words; “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.”
He further extolled the positive efforts of the government to improve the security situation and open Nigeria up for more International business and cooperation.
The Minister added that the Federal Government of Nigeria is doing a lot to make Nigeria a safer place for everyone living in the country. He said, “we are winning the war against terrorism and violent extremism.”
According to the Minister, Nigeria is the best-kept secret on global investment, as he assured the Swedish envoy that investments from her country are safe and secured in Nigeria.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo further assured the Ambassador of more mutually beneficial collaborations in areas such as economics, business and migration control.
Earlier in her remarks, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria Her Excellency, Annika Hahn-Englund, said the purpose of her visit to the ministry was to hear more about the priorities of the Ministry of Interior, get updates on the security situation in the country and discuss Swedish investments in Nigeria.
Signed:
Ozoya Imohimi
Director, Press and Public Relations
