By Tochukwu Bliss, Abuja
Nigeria and Finland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Digitalisation and Innovation, marking a significant milestone in deepening bilateral cooperation in the digital sector.
Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, signed for Nigeria, and Mr. Under‑Secretary of State (International Trade), Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Jarno Syrjälä, penned for his country in a ceremony that took place March 23, in Abuja.
A statement from the Finnish Embassy said the MoU strengthens the framework for collaboration in key areas such as digital government, emerging technologies, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, innovation ecosystems, and capacity building.
“It reflects both countries’ shared ambition to leverage digital transformation as a driver of sustainable economic growth, efficient public services, and inclusive innovation,” it added.
Tijani was quoted as saying: “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,” he added.
Syrjälä on his part, 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.”
The MoU is said to complement 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 and on advancing inclusive digital skills in Nigeria.
The programme, implemented by Finland’s development agency HAUS in consortium with Estonia’s development agency ESTDEV, further aligns with Nigeria’s digital transformation strategy.
Digitalisation is at its best when it empowers people, strengthens trust, and creates new opportunities for innovation.
Supports €23m 3MTT programme
In another development, Finland had earlier announced that it will take the lead in a new Team Europe Initiative designed to enhance Nigeria’s digital public services and advance inclusive digital skills.
Finland’s development and training company, HAUS, will lead the implementation in partnership with Estonia’s development agency, ESTDEV, bringing together European expertise in digital government and public-sector innovation.
The initiative, titled: “Support to Digital Public Services and Talent Management”, is valued at €23million and fully funded by the European Union.
It forms part of the EU–Nigeria Digital Economy Package under the Global Gateway strategy and is aligned with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020–2030 and the Ministry’s strategic priorities (2023–2027), in close cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE).
Through this initiative, the EU and its Member States aim to:
• expand access to secure, interoperable and citizen-centric digital public services;
• strengthen institutional capacity and governance;
• and support the rollout of the 3 million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.
By doing so, the programme will contribute to improving public service delivery, reinforcing trust in government, and creating new economic opportunities for citizens and businesses.
Finland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, was quoted as saying: “Finland has a long and proven track record in secure digital governance, interoperability, and citizencentric public services.
“By bringing this expertise into the Team Europe Initiative, we are committed to supporting Nigeria in developing interoperable digital public services that meet the highest EU standards.
“Our collaboration will strengthen cybersecurity and data protection practices, build institutional capacity, and expand inclusive digital access for both citizens and businesses. Together, we are helping to shape a trusted, transparent, and innovation-driven digital future for Nigeria.”
