Nigeria and Finland have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on digitalisation and innovation to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the digital space.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Embassy of Finland in Nigeria through its Press and Communications Officer, Maria Ruuskanen, the agreement was signed in Abuja by Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and Finland’s Under-Secretary of State for International Trade, Jarno Syrjälä.
According to the statement, the MoU provides a framework for collaboration in key areas such as digital government, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and capacity building.
Both nations noted that the partnership is designed to harness digital transformation to boost economic growth, enhance public service delivery, and encourage inclusive innovation.
Tijani described the deal as a major milestone in strengthening ties between the two countries.
“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,” he said.
He added that the agreement builds on previous engagements held in Helsinki, where discussions focused on digital infrastructure and potential areas of collaboration.
“We are confident that this partnership will unlock meaningful opportunities as a catalyst for sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” he stated.
On his part, Syrjälä affirmed Finland’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in developing a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem.
“Digitalisation is at its best when it empowers people, strengthens trust, and creates new opportunities for innovation,” he said.
He added that Nigeria remains a strategic partner for Finland in Africa, noting that the agreement lays a solid foundation for cooperation among governments, institutions, and the private sector.
Meanwhile, it was earlier reported that Finland will spearhead a €23 million Team Europe Initiative aimed at improving Nigeria’s digital public services and supporting the rollout of the 3 Million Technical Talent programme.
The initiative, funded by the European Union, will be executed by Finland’s development agency HAUS in collaboration with Estonia’s development agency ESTDEV, according to Finland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin.
The programme is part of the EU–Nigeria Digital Economy Package under the Global Gateway strategy and is intended to strengthen digital governance and skills development.
It will also focus on expanding access to secure, interoperable, and citizen-centred public services, while enhancing institutional capacity and governance frameworks across Nigeria.