Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to attend the Nordic-African Business Summit in Oslo to honour the personal invitation of the Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg.
A statement issued by the Presidency Monday said the vice president is attending the event, taking place from Monday to Wednesday, October 9, 2019, in the pursuit of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), especially regarding the active mobilisation of foreign investment.
The statement, signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President in the Office of the Vice President Mr Laolu Akande, said the invitation is a long standing one and the event is being organised to give particular prominence to trade and investment ties between Africa and the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
The statement reads: “The summit will attract the largest Nordic companies doing business or interested in doing business in Nigeria, with interests in agriculture, light manufacturing, transportation, digital technology and entertainment, oil and gas, and renewable energy.
“Specifically, Prof. Osinbajo would, among other critical issues, be speaking on the strides made by the Buhari administration in improving the economy and human capital development.
“The Vice President will also headline a specific Nigeria-focused investment roundtable, which is expected to lead to increased trade and investment into Nigeria by building confidence about business prospects in the country and its role as an economic gateway into Africa.
“There will also be a high-level plenary session at the summit to be attended by Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, featuring the Nigerian VP, Deputy President of South Africa, David Mabuza, and other global business and government leaders. That plenary session would be moderated by Financial Times editor, David Pilling.
“Also, while in Oslo, the Vice President would hold a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss issues of mutual interest to both countries, including bilateral cooperation, especially trade and private sector investments, as well as regional and multilateral issues of mutual concern.
“In extending its invitation to the Vice President, the Norwegian government noted that Nigeria’s participation in the summit would contribute considerably to its success, as the country “plays a crucial regional leadership role and has the largest economy in Africa.”
“The Vice President, who had earlier this afternoon attended the Extraordinary Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, leaves Abuja later today and is expected back on Thursday.”
