Bilateral relations between Norway and Nigeria

Diplomatic relations between Norway and Nigeria were established shortly after Nigeria became independent in 1960. A Norwegian embassy opened in Lagos in 1962. In 2003, it moved to Abuja. Regional issues, petroleum policy and governance have been main elements in the dialogue between the authorities of the two countries. With the inauguration of the maternal and new-born child health programme in Northern Nigeria in 2008, Norwegian development assistance to Nigeria has been added as a major component of bilateral relations.

28/10/2008 ::

You can read more about official development cooperation, including the Oil for Development partnership, here.

Norwegian business takes a considerable interest in Nigeria, and notably in the petroleum sector and maritime shipping. The Norwegian national oil company StatoilHydro opened a branch in Lagos in 1992 and has made major investments offshore Nigeria. The company is an operator of the 128 and 129 licences, with a share of 53,85% in each and Chevron as partner. In addition, the company is a partner in the 315 and 324 licences, with Petrobras as operator. StatoilHydro has a 18,85% stake in the Agbami field, where the operator, Chevron, has 68,15% and partner Petrobras the remaining 13%. Oil production at Agbami started in July 2008, and the StatoilHydro share is expected to reach 44,000 barrels a day at plateau production. 

Several Norwegian shipowners operate supply ships servicing offshore Nigerian oil-related installations as well as floating production and storage facilities. Moreover, ships registered in Norway or operated by Norwegians transport oil and natural gas out of Nigeria and supply Nigeria with other goods. 

According to Noregian statistics, in 2005 the value of Norwegian exports to Nigeria amounted to some USD 60 million, whereas Norway imported goods and services worth about USD 1,5 million from Nigeria. 

Bilateral visits