The Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Sanna Selin, has expressed Finland’s readiness to collaborate with Nigeria within the vitality sector and different areas of mutual curiosity.
She made this identified on Friday in the course of the presentation of her Letters of Credence to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the State Home in Abuja.
Selin additionally counseled President Tinubu for the continuing {economic} and political reforms in Nigeria, highlighting their significance for the nation’s progress.
“I salute you for all the continuing reforms within the nation. They aren’t simple. Despite the fact that it’s painful, it’s the solely method Nigeria can progress. It’s important for the nation,” she famous.
“We even have alternatives for Nigeria in vitality. We are able to work and make it a realisable dream,” Selin acknowledged in an announcement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Particular Adviser to the President on Info and Technique.
Tinubu welcomes Ekpa’s arrest, trial in Finland
President Tinubu appreciated the Finnish authorities’s cooperation in addressing safety considerations, notably with the latest arrest of Simon Ekpa, a separatist chief identified for his divisive rhetoric.
“I need to thanks to your report on safeguarding human rights in our nation with the trial of Simon Ekpa. Nigeria is indivisible. We have now been via turbulent instances, and we don’t need to promote terrorism,” President Tinubu instructed the Finnish ambassador.
“I’m a baby born into activism, however not divisiveness. We want cohesion and cooperation to result in improvement. Our watchword is stability and cohesion to maneuver the nation ahead.”
“The Nationwide Safety Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has knowledgeable me. I do know what the rule of regulation means. The rule of regulation safeguards our democratic credentials, morals and values. We should respect the rule of regulation,” the President stated.
Tinubu additionally famous that the federal government stays steadfast in defending democratic values, morals, and the rule of regulation.
“Simon Ekpa has been hindering bilateral relations. The cooperation between our two international locations goes very effectively now, and the Nationwide Safety Adviser has been offering all of the proof,” the Ambassador famous.
Background on Finland’s Power Curiosity
Finland’s curiosity in Nigeria’s vitality sector is just not new. In June 2022, Finland’s Minister for Overseas Affairs, Pekka Haavisto, expressed the nation’s need to faucet into Nigeria’s huge fuel deposits.
- This got here after the European Union’s resolution to cut back its dependence on Russian fuel because of the ongoing battle in Ukraine.
- Haavisto famous that Finland, like different EU member states, was exploring different fuel suppliers and recognized Nigeria as a crucial participant in international vitality markets.
The minister additionally highlighted alternatives for collaboration in renewable vitality, schooling, and {economic} diversification.
Key highlights
- Finland sees Nigeria as a strategic accomplice in diversifying its vitality sources, particularly via pure fuel and renewable vitality initiatives.
- The arrest and trial of Simon Ekpa exhibit rising safety collaboration between Nigeria and Finland to deal with divisive actions.
- Finland can be interested by strengthening partnerships in schooling and different {economic} sectors.


