The Nordic ambassadors from Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway on Wednesday stressed the importance of sustainable food production and international cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges.
This is as they lamented that despite Nigeria’s vast land, many people lack access to nutritious food and that Nigeria imports most of its food making it vulnerable to global shock.
They spoke at the Nordic food feast organised by the new Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, in Abuja.
The Danish Ambassador, Jens Hansen, underscored the pressing need to increase food production to meet the demands of Nigeria’s growing population.
Hansen called for innovative solutions and collaboration between Nordic countries and Nigeria, announcing a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the country’s food and livestock sectors.
He cited successful initiatives, such as the Danish-Swedish dairy cooperative’s investment in Kaduna, which aims to bolster small holder dairy farmers through training and cooperative support.
The ambassador noted, “Our planet is already struggling. Therefore, we need to find new ways to sustainably increase food production and at the same time balance how it affects the environment.
To handle that challenge, we need cooperation between the Nordic countries and African countries. We need to exchange knowledge. We need technology, and we need innovative solutions.
“I am glad that the governments of Denmark and Nigeria have agreed to establish a strategic sector cooperation between Nigeria’s food sector and livestock sector in order to support the free consumption of the Nigerian food and livestock system”.
Finnish Ambassador, Selin, highlighted the Nordic countries’ commitment to environmental sustainability and animal welfare.
She noted the region’s low use of antibiotics in farming and showcased innovations such as plant-based meat alternatives, which offer sustainable protein sources.
“In Nordic countries, environmental issues and animal welfare are our primary focus areas. The quantity of antibiotics administrated to the farm animals is among the lowest in Europe.
“Among the many other things, Nordic countries collaborate by investing in shared research and innovation projects that focus on developing sustainable food solutions in close cooperation with our industries.
Swedish Ambassador, Annika Hahn-Englund, spoke about the historical ties between the Nordics and Africa, emphasising the significance of Nigeria as a key partner.
She reflected on a recent visit by Nordic foreign ministers to Nigeria, aimed at strengthening collaboration on global issues like green transitions and food security.
Hahn-Englund pointed out that despite Nigeria’s fertile land, many citizens lack access to nutritious food, urging investments in climate-smart agriculture and infrastructure.
“Despite Nigeria’s vast land, many people lack access to nutritious food. Nigeria imports most of its food making it vulnerable to global shock.
“Nordic companies invest in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable energy, infrastructure and rural connectivity, leading to a market for prosperity. We also support food security in emergencies.
“The Nordic countries’ engagement for peaceful societies, human dignity, democratic development and inclusive growth can be seen clearly here in Nigeria”, she said.
Norwegian Ambassador, Svein Baera, reinforced the Nordic vision of becoming the most sustainable region globally, advocating for gender equality and constructive dialogue among nations as vital for development and prosperity.
He noted that equal participation of women and men in all areas contributes significantly to the wealth of Nordic countries.
“The Nordic vision is to be the most sustainable and integrated region in the world”, Baera stated.
In August 2024, the delegation of top officials from Nordic countries, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Tobias Billström; the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, the State Secretary for International Development of Norway, Bjørg Sandkjær, and the Under Secretary for Foreign Policy, Denmark, Ms Eva Marie Frida Barløse, made a historic visit to Nigeria.
During their talks with the Federal government, they discussed key areas of mutual interest, including security, economic cooperation, education, trade and investment, and the rule of law.
