Nigeria Can’t Afford To Have More Conflicts – Amb. Kjemprud

The Supremacy Magazine team led by the Publisher, Princess Abigail Amalaha were the guest of the out-going Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria Jens-Petter Kjemprud, few days to the end of his four years diplomatic engagement in Nigeria as Ambassador. The Ambassador took time off his tight schedule to share with us his experience in Nigeria, the bilateral relations between both countries and his fond memories about Nigeria which he will definitely miss. Excerpts:


Your Excellency, it is our pleasure to be your guest once again. Can you share with us your experience in Nigeria as an ambassador?
My experience with Nigeria dates back to 25 years. The last 4 years is part of the 25 years journey with Nigeria as the Norwegian Ambassador. I was working as a desk officer in Norway during the Abacha regime, the Democratic Movement were looking for a new establishment of Democracy in Nigeria and as a desk officer, I worked with the Democratic forces at that time. So the 25 years of my stay was from the military regime to the democratic governments. So it’s a long journey and in my last 4years as an Ambassador, it has given me the opportunity to understand the depths of the political developments and of course travelling and meeting people from the very diverse cultures.

What are your major achievements?
It’s very difficult to say it. I will like someone else to say it. When I met the foreign minister some couple of days ago, we went through how bilateral relations between both countries have developed in the last 4years which we found that the political relations are much stronger. We had ministerial visits both ways, also bilateral trade relations between both countries have developed tremendously and substantially in the last four years.

If you are given opportunity to stay another year in Nigeria, what are those things you would have love to achieve in enhancing the relationship between Nigeria and Norway?
First of all, Nigeria is a federal state. Of course our relationship is with the central government, but also to develop stronger relations with the different states. We have certainly areas where there are very strong relations already like in Abia State and Norway because of stockfish trade. Rivers, Lagos states because of the oil and gas business. We have new companies moving in, like in the area of renewable energy. So to strengthen the relations to high number of states will be a priority if I was going to be here for one more year; that could be achieved. I think I am really concerned about the developments of new conflicts resolution around the country. So, I think some engagements in reconciliation efforts, in talks, so they can resolve the conflicts, because Nigeria can’t afford to have more number of conflicts growing. The army and security apparatus is over stretched. The solution to conflicts will be my priority if I am going to be here one more year.

You mean Nigeria and Norway have strong bilateral ties?
Very strong trade ties, tilting to the favour of Norway because we have a lot of trade in oil business, so the trade balance is in our favour. I have discussed with different ministries on how to increase Nigeria exports to Norway, so we can have more level trading balance.

What is your advice to your successor?
We are Ambassadors; we are messengers of the nations. It’s all about convincing Norwegian companies, organizations, to engage Nigerians and equally convince them that Nigeria is the right place to invest. We managed to have during the last 4years, for the first time the Norwegian Summit Wealth Fund, investing in the Nigerian stock exchange. We have Nor farms which is farming mechanism investing in Nigerian companies. So my advice to my successor is to work closely with these agencies and Nigerian counterparts to see more investments coming into Nigeria.

There are many Nigerians living in Norway; do you have plans of visiting them when you go back?
They have approached me to meet with them again. I have been meeting with them since I was here to address some of their challenges, and how they can contribute to the wellbeing of Norway and equally build the bilateral relations of Nigerian community in Norway and also seeking for ways to nurture their relations with Norway.

How is Norway tackling Covid-19?
You know Norway is a small country compared to Nigeria. It is approximately 5 million plus people. So it is easier to manage covid-19 in a smaller country than when there are large numbers in population. We had immediate lockdown and took very strict measures initially. We are able to manage to contain the virus from spreading, though we had 260 deaths, among the population of 5 million. We are now opening up gradually.

Do you have plans of coming back to Nigeria?
Yes, I’m actually joining a Norwegian organization care centre for conflict resolution and I have been talking to different people, government and non-governmental organizations to see to the negotiations, reconciliation, between government and groups. It has to be a Nigerian solution, but we will offer mediation supports and advices in finding solutions for the spread of conflict in Nigeria. It’s about both preventing, diplomacy, but also assistance to reconciliation efforts.

What are the fond memories you will always remember whenever you reflect on your stay in Nigeria?
Its meeting with people at so many levels. I have had the privilege of meeting with people from all strata from the president to the low level people, especially those in IDP Camps. I’ve met with the IDP’s in Borno. At every level, the reception was always warm. I have also enjoyed travelling to different states to see for myself how diverse this country is, the different possibilities, how people are tackling life, their challenges and how they are moving the country forward in the various states.

I am sure you have been enjoying some of our delicacies. Which Nigerian food will you miss the most?
The Jollof rice, the pepper soup, because it contains Norwegian stockfish. I like spicy foods.

What is your farewell message to your friends and associates in Nigeria whom you will surely miss especially your friends in the media?
It is different messages. For me, the importance of the press to safeguard democracy, freedom of the press, human rights and for development is extremely important. My message to my friends in the press is to keep up the good work because the press is absolutely crucial to continue the positive development. Then one particular message I have been trying to get across to friends in political life and everywhere is that it is important to organize yourself so that you can stand for your right and have development in a very organized matter. For democracy to really take root, political parties need to organize better along political ideological lines and people have to engage with organizations. Nigeria has very individualistic minded people but you don’t achieve anything on your own, you have to get together. If you organize well; you can make a change in life.