Nigeria Sounds Alarm At Nordic-African Business Summit, Says Global Inequality Threatens SDGs

Oslo, Norway – Nigeria has issued a stark warning at the ongoing Nordic-African Business Summit in Oslo, highlighting growing global inequality as a threat to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Speaking at the summit, Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar described the current geopolitical climate as “unsettling,” citing escalating conflicts and an increase in protectionism and trade barriers.

He used the situations in Ukraine, Sudan, the Levant, and the Sahel region as examples of ongoing instability.

“We gather at a time of deteriorating global economic performance,” Tuggar said.
“Inequality is rising, and it is increasingly clear that we will not meet our Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.”

The Minister also expressed concern about the weaponization of migration, the rise of eco-fascism and far-right movements, and the continued existence of vaccine apartheid, all of which contribute to a less safe and unequal world.

Despite the bleak outlook, Tuggar emphasised the potential for collaboration between Nordic and African countries, emphasising the possibility of private and public sector partnerships.

He identified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key driver of economic growth, citing its potential to boost intra-African trade and unlock billions of dollars in value.

Tuggar emphasised the significance of Norwegian investment in Africa, specifically in clean energy and infrastructure development.

He also praised Nigerian youth’s entrepreneurial spirit, emphasising their ability to innovate and grow.

“It is not a coincidence that Nigerian entrepreneurs succeed,” Tuggar argued. “They are tenacious problem solvers with an unwavering can-do attitude.”

The Minister’s speech is a call to action, urging Nordic and African leaders to confront the challenges of global inequality and collaborate to build a more equitable and sustainable future.

The Nordic-African Business Summit provides a forum for such dialogue and collaboration, bringing hope for progress towards achieving the SDGs and creating a better future for all.