By Deborah Musa
Nigeria and Finland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on digitalisation and innovation to deepen bilateral cooperation in the digital sector.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Embassy of Finland in Nigeria, through its Press and Communications Officer, Maria Ruuskanen, said 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.
The statement noted that the MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in areas including digital government, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and capacity building.
Both countries said the partnership is aimed at leveraging digital transformation to drive economic growth, improve public service delivery, and promote inclusive innovation.
Tijani described the agreement as a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties. “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 earlier engagements in Helsinki, where discussions were held with key institutions on digital infrastructure and collaboration opportunities.
“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 said Finland is committed to supporting Nigeria in building 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 noted that Nigeria remains a key partner for Finland in Africa, adding that the agreement provides a solid foundation for cooperation among governments, institutions, and the private sector.
Meanwhile, on Monday, Punch Online reported that the Government of Finland will lead a €23m Team Europe Initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital public services and supporting the rollout of the three-million technical talent programme.
The initiative, funded by the European Union, will be implemented by Finland’s development agency HAUS in partnership with Estonia’s development agency ESTDEV, according to Finland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin.
The programme forms part of the EU–Nigeria Digital Economy Package under the Global Gateway strategy and is designed to enhance digital governance and skills development.
It will focus on expanding access to secure, interoperable, and citizen-centred public services, while strengthening institutional capacity and governance frameworks in Nigeria
