Nigeria, Finland seal digitalisation, innovation deal
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the government of the Republic of Finland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Digitalisation and Innovation to deepen economic activities in the
- From Blessing Olaifa, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria and the government of the Republic of Finland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Digitalisation and Innovation to deepen economic activities in the two countries.
The Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani said the move would mark a significant milestone in deepening of bilateral cooperation in the digital sector.
The MoU was signed in Abuja by Dr. Tijani, and Mr. Jarno Syrjälä, Under Secretary of State (International Trade) of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
According to a statement signed by the Media aide to the Minister, Mr Isime Esene, the MoU would strengthen the framework for collaboration in key areas such as digital government, emerging technologies, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, innovation ecosystems, and capacity building.
He said it reflected both countries’ shared ambition to leverage digital transformation as a driver of sustainable economic growth, efficient public services, and inclusive innovation.
“Today’s MoU signing marks an important step in strengthening the partnership between both countries as we work to build a more inclusive, innovation-driven digital economy.
“This agreement is a significant next step following our engagements in Helsinki in February, where we met with key stakeholders including Finnvera and Finnfund, and held productive discussions on advancing collaboration around digital infrastructure, the Data Exchange Platform, and opportunities for Finnish participation in Project BRIDGE.
“We are confident that this partnership will unlock meaningful opportunities for both countries, enabling us to leverage digital transformation as a catalyst for sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” the Minister added.
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Also speaking at the event Mr Syrjala said: “Finland is very pleased to deepen its partnership with Nigeria in building resilient, secure, and human centric digital societies.
“Digitalisation is at its best when it empowers people, strengthens trust, and creates new opportunities for innovation. Nigeria is a key partner for Finland in Africa, and this MoU provides a strong basis for concrete cooperation between our governments, institutions, and private sectors.
“Together, we can advance digital solutions that are interoperable, future fit, and beneficial to both our nations.”
It was gathered that the MoU complemented the ongoing Finland–Nigeria cooperation in the digital sector, including Finland’s lead role in the EU’s Team Europe Initiative on Support to Digital Public Services.
It would help advance inclusive digital skills in Nigeria. The programme, implemented by Finland’s development agency HAUS in consortium with Estonia’s development agency ESTDEV, further aligned with Nigeria’s digital transformation strategy.
