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The Diplomat: I Love Rema’s Songs, Nigerians are Friendly People – Norway Ambassador

The Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Svein Baera, talks about his country’s long standing bilateral relations with Nigeria, his views on Afrobeats, Nigerian jollof, literature, and the country’s entrepreneurial spirit, in this exclusive interview with Arukaino Umukoro

Norway has long-standing bilateral relations with Nigeria since the 1960s. How would you describe the relationship between both countries over the years?

I would say it has been friendly all along, because, of course, we are not only discussing bilateral issues with Nigeria, but we are also joining forces on big global issues making life challenging for many people in different parts of the world, for instance, the situation in the Middle East, both Nigeria and Norway are playing an important role in the global cooperation to try to find solutions. In other areas, Nigeria and Norway are often joining hands, collaborating, and share the same opinion on several issues.

Can you share some recent statistics of trade relations between both countries?

Recent numbers show that Norway exported goods worth US$1.6 billion to Nigeria in one year, which is a threefold increase compared to the last 10 years. So, it has been steadily increasing. Stockfish, which is very popular in Nigerian cuisine, is among the exported products, as well as petroleum products, machines, other fish and seafood products like the Norwegian salmon, chemicals, and the shipping industry is also important. The volume of exports from Nigeria to Norway was around US$500 million, and they include crude oil, cocoa, coffee, nuts and spices, to mention a few. That number has also been increasing steadily over the past 10 years.

What are the opportunities for further collaboration between Nigerian and Norwegian businesses?

We have the Nigerian Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in Lagos. I would say the opportunities are huge, for instance, in the area of renewable energy, because of the need for more electricity and energy in Nigeria. And Norway has a good track record of building energy facilities. Some weeks ago, I was in Lagos to participate in the commissioning of a new solar power facility that will provide clean electricity to 10 supermarkets in Lagos. That is one example of a private Norwegian investor that has made this possible, together with the partnership of owners of a supermarket chain in Lagos. The potential to do a lot more is definitely there.

What are the collaborations between the Norwegian and Nigerian governments in the area of security, for instance, in the Northeast region?

Yes, we are talking with different government institutions about that. I cannot go into detail. But clearly, both Norway and other countries are doing their best to help. I would like to mention the humanitarian assistance in the Northeast, where many have been displaced due to insurgency. Alongside with the UN and other donors, Norway is providing humanitarian assistance for the people that have been affected.

What’s the estimated population of Nigerian students in Norway and what are some educational programmes available to Nigerians?

The estimated number of Nigerian students in Norway hovers around 2,000. The figures are a lot smaller than of those going to Canada, the UK, US or Germany to study. But, of course, Nigerians going to Norway appreciate the high quality of education in Norway. There are a number of programmes being taught in English. Also, the tuition fee is quite moderate compared to many other countries. In addition, there is a global programme called Education Cannot Wait, under the UN Family that is providing education for children and youth in difficult situations, like in internally displaced camps in the Northeast. The Education Cannot Wait programme has also invested US$100 million in Nigeria since 2016.

How much would you say that the African population in Norway, particularly Nigerians, have contributed to the country’s socioeconomic development?

There are thousands of Nigerians living in Norway, as well as immigrants from other African countries like Somalia and other places. Of course, the international presence in Norway is a big benefit to our culture, because Africans are bringing with them the rich culture from Africa. And we need that in Norway. We need to work together with cultures from different parts of the world to make the (shared) future brighter. We are happy about that. To immigrate to Norway is more or less the same thing as immigrating to another European country within the Schengen area. But there are procedures. For instance, to immigrate to Norway, first, you would need to have a job offer, and apply for a residency, before getting a visa to move to Norway.

How is Norway supporting Nigeria in terms of achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

We have some programmes through the United Nations. And we support agencies such as UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, FAO, and the UN Women. Through those partnerships, we are doing our best to assist Nigeria’s efforts in reaching its SDG goals, it’s in the hands of Nigeria to pursue reaching those goals.

A few weeks ago, there was a major conference in the Northwest region of Nigeria on peace and security (inaugural Northwest Peace and Security Summit in Katsina State). The seven states in the region aim to work more together to secure its peace and stability, by tackling security challenges such as banditry and others. So, the UNDP is building a facility in that region that will enable us to understand better how climate change is contributing to the challenges in the Northwest, for instance, potential conflicts between the herders and farmers becomes bigger due to climate change issues. Together with the UNDP and the respective state governments, we are trying to address these issues in the Northwest.

Nigeria has a very vibrant youth population. What role do you think Nigerian youths have to play in shaping the country’s future?

It’s absolutely crucial that the young generation get the opportunities to use their potential to contribute to development, not only in Nigeria, but in any country in the world. Nigeria has so many young people, and one of the things that struck me when moving here 10 months ago was the energy of the population, especially the young people, as well as the entrepreneurial skills and ambition young Nigerians have. That’s why I’m happy that there is a Norwegian company called Antler that is considering establishing its second Africa office in Lagos. They have done good things in Nairobi, now they want to do this also in Lagos. Antler is a venture capital company that assist young entrepreneurs with bright ideas, and they help them with startup capital to develop those ideas. I think this is something that has potential for great success.

Norway is also famous for its arts and culture, museums, architecture, food and festival. Nigeria also has a rich cultural heritage. Is there any cultural exchange between both countries?

Absolutely. Recently, Nigerian artiste Tems had a concert in Norway and her latest album got a very good review in one of the biggest newspapers in Norway, with a full-page feature of her new album. Clearly, Afrobeats has become quite popular in Norway, like in many other parts of the world. Also, Wizkid was in in Norway last summer. Burna Boy, Davido and Rema are also very popular in the country. There is this Norwegian band called Circus Eliason and they came to Lagos some weeks ago to link up with Afrobeat artistes to learn more about that style of music so that they can infuse it into their own production. There is some good partnership on the music side.

In terms of theatre or stage plays, we brought a Norwegian-Nigerian group to recreate the play by famous Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. Ibsen’s play, Little Eyolf, was staged as a piece called Cripple wolf. It was performed twice in in Abuja, and there are plans to stage it at the Jos International Festival next year. That is quite exciting as well.  Let me also mention my favourite author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who is also very popular in Norway. I read several of her books some years ago long before I intended to move to Nigeria.

What’s your favourite Chimamanda book?

Half of a Yellow Sun is my favourite from her books, even though Americanah was also very good. Also, I just finished reading her first novel, The Purple Hibiscus, recently. Interestingly, the first book I read from Nigeria was Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe.

Do you have any favourite Afrobeats or Nigerian artiste?

Rema is my favourite. I really like his song called Charm, as well as the hit song he made with Selena Gomez, Calm Down. Listening to Rema’s music puts you in a good mood. This particular song is such a happy song.

Do you watch Nollywood movies?

I do. Although I’m not as enthusiastic about the movies as I am with the music. But I have seen a few of them; like Chief Daddy, and Fifty, both were quite entertaining.

Did you experience any culture shock on your first visit to Nigeria?

I wouldn’t say culture shock per se, because I have lived in Africa before, precisely in South Africa, for two years, where I worked at the Norwegian Embassy. Also, I worked in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. I didn’t experience any cultural shock, but it’s always interesting to see that countries on different sides of the continent are uniquely different. Clearly, Nigeria is something else. Like I said before, what impressed me most when I moved to Nigeria almost a year ago were the energy of the people and their entrepreneurial spirit; that drive, ambition to create something and build their lives.

Also, it’s interesting that it seems in Nigeria, it doesn’t matter if you’re black or white. I don’t see any kind of looks being directed at me even though I’m a white. I think that, for Nigerians, the colour of your skin does not matter, but who you are and what you can accomplish. And I really like that. Nigerians are quite friendly.

Is that ‘energy’ the most fascinating thing for you about the Nigerian people?

Yes, I would say so; the energy, their entrepreneurial skills, and also friendliness, the way you greet and welcome newcomers like me, it made me feel at home from day one.

What are some of the interesting places you’ve visited in Nigeria so far?

Let me start inside Abuja, visiting the Mogadishu Barracks’ mammy market in Abuja was a great experience, and I’ve taken all my guests visiting from Norway to the Barracks to eat their (barbecue) fish and for sightseeing at the market. It’s a very nice place. I would also mention the Millennium Park, it’s a beautiful spot for families and children. Taking afternoon walks there is also a very nice activity to do in Abuja. Of course, Lagos is also a cool city. I have visited Lagos a few times and I’m amazed by both the size and everything that’s going on there. One artist that has impressed me is Nike of Nike Art Gallery. I visited her galleries, both in Lagos and here in Abuja. The artworks in those galleries are amazing.

What is your favourite Nigerian food?

Well, clearly the Nigerian jollof rice is the best jollof rice on the continent. I really like the jollof rice. I have also tasted kilishi and also liked it. It reminds me of the biltong which is popular in South Africa. Also, in Norway, we have this kind of dried and cured meat, that is not exactly like kilishi, but in the same category.

There is one more thing worth mentioning – football. When I meet a group of Nigerians for the first time, I say that I’m certain that there are two things about Norway that they are aware of. One is the stockfish, which comes from Norway. The other thing is Erling Haaland who plays for Manchester City, which is quite popular among Nigerians who love football. Also, there are quite a number of very good, talented professional Nigerian football players playing in the Norwegian football league. Mikel Obi played for a Norwegian club (Lyn Oslo) before he moved to Chelsea in England.

What happened to your team Norway, they didn’t qualify for Euro 2024?

Since I’m the Norwegian ambassador, I cannot say anything bad about the Norwegian team. But clearly, they need to do more to reach the level that we were some years ago.

Norway has produced some fantastic players over the years…

Yes, they have, like (Ole Gunnar) Solskjaer, who played for Manchester United, he was a great player. We also have good individuals (players) in the team. I hope we can qualify for the World Cup and have a good chance.

Obviously, you are a big football fan

Yes, football is amazing because it’s a language being spoken in every country in the world. While countries may disagree on many things and have different cultures, languages, and styles, everyone seems to like football, where it’s the same rules all over the planet and it’s loved by people in every country. I think football speaks directly to us as human beings, regardless of race, whether you are European or African, or where you live. It is quite fascinating.

What are your pastimes?

I spend time with friends. Sometimes, when I have visitors from Norway, I show them around town. I read books, I listen to music, and I do some exercise. Also, I would like to travel more around Nigeria. My biggest wish for Nigeria is that the security situation improves step by step in the years to come.

Author

Arukaino Umukoro

Arukaino is an award-winning writer and journalist, a recipient of the CNN/MultiChoice Africa Journalist of the Year Awards

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