A Scandinavian nation in Europe, Sweden has inaugurated its consulate yesterday in Lagos, to boost its trade relations between the two countries.

At the opening of the consulate, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and ECOWAS. Carl Michael Gräns, said that, the

opening of the consulate signifies its relationship with Nigeria and its intention to build on it.

According to him, Sweden has always kept a close contact with Lagos on a state and business level, as Lagos is the uncontestable business hub of Nigeria and West Africa.

He explained that Sweden was the first nation to have its embassy in Nigeria.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on the inauguration, said that it is not often easy to get bilateral relationships that are sovereign to a sub-national.

He likened it to Lagos, which is a part of Nigeria but a lot of businesses of sovereign nations, though they have a capital in Abuja, see the need to participate in Lagos economy.

“To be close to their citizens and participate in businesses and cultural activities, you must have a print in Lagos, and the Swedish embassy has done the most appropriate thing,” he said.

He added that Lagos promotes mutually beneficial cultural and financial relations.

“Lagos deserves this and I thank the Swedish government for this and ensure that Lagos and the business community would use this very well. It would further strengthen Nigeria-Swedish businesses and Lagos as a commercial centre,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Honourary Consul, Embassy of Sweden, Lagos, Philip Åkesson, said that his role entails assisting Swedish citizens with Consular matters, which includes passports, business documents and documents for Nigerians with permanent visas.