Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria has called for deeper collaboration with Norway in the areas of debt restructuring, tax transparency, and climate finance, as part of its broader strategy to unlock sustainable development opportunities through global partnerships.
The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, made the call during a high-level bilateral meeting with the Norwegian Deputy Minister of International Development, Ms. Stine Renate Håheim, held on the sidelines of the 2025 United Nations Meetings in New York.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite emphasized that Nigeria is prioritizing partnerships that can accelerate its economic reform agenda and climate resilience goals.
She said, “We are actively seeking partners who understand the urgency of our development needs, especially in areas such as climate finance, debt restructuring, and tax cooperation,” she said.
Central to the discussion was Nigeria’s interest in NORAD’s “Energy for Development” platform, which supports sustainable energy solutions across developing economies.
The Minister noted that Nigeria is eager to tap into the initiative to fast-track energy access and reduce emissions.
“Our energy transition plan aligns with global climate goals, and we believe collaboration under NORAD’s platform will be instrumental in delivering clean, affordable energy to millions of Nigerians,” she added.
The meeting also spotlighted the need for greater transparency in international tax cooperation frameworks. Dr. Uzoka-Anite stressed, “Improving tax transparency is critical to domestic resource mobilization. We welcome Norway’s support in helping us strengthen systems that fight illicit financial flows.”
Ms. Håheim acknowledged Nigeria’s regional importance and expressed readiness to explore areas of mutual interest, particularly in promoting inclusive growth and green development.
The bilateral engagement reflects Nigeria’s diplomatic outreach at the 2025 UN Meetings, reinforcing its drive to forge strategic alliances that enhance governance, unlock financing for development, and boost resilience in the face of global economic challenges.
