The Government of Nigeria has extended heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and people of Norway following the death of His Majesty King Harald V, while congratulating his successor, His Majesty King Haakon VIII, on his ascension to the throne.
According to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja and signed by Spokesperson Oluwafemi Adeniyi on Saturday, 29 August 2026, King Harald V passed away on Friday, 28 August 2026.
“Nigeria joins the international community in mourning the passing of King Harald V whose thirty-five-year reign was characterized by dignity, humility, warmth and unwavering commitment to duty and service,” the statement said. It noted that the late king devoted his life to the service of the Norwegian people and the promotion of unity, peace, openness and solidarity.
The Ministry recalled that during King Harald’s reign, Nigeria and Norway maintained warm and cordial relations, developing partnerships across political, economic and cultural spheres, as well as collaborating at multilateral levels.
Nigeria expressed solidarity with Her Majesty Queen Sonja, the Royal Family, and the Government and people of Norway, praying for their comfort and strength. “May his soul rest in eternal peace and may his legacy of dedicated service continue to inspire generations to come,” the statement added.
In the same statement, the Federal Government extended warm congratulations to His Majesty King Haakon VIII on his ascension to the Norwegian Throne. Nigeria wished the new king good health, wisdom and a long and distinguished reign, and looked forward to working with him to strengthen bilateral relations through greater economic partnership, enhanced people-to-people ties, stronger institutional cooperation and deeper multilateral collaboration.
