Nigeria, Finland Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Digitalisation, Innovation

Sunday Okobi

 The Governments of the Republic of Finland and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Digitalisation and Innovation, marking a significant milestone in deepening bilateral cooperation in the digital sector.

According to a statement issued by the Finnish embassy, the MoU was signed recently in Abuja by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and Under‑Secretary of State (International Trade) of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Mr. Jarno Syrjälä.

The MoU, it was learnt, strengthens the framework for collaboration in key areas such as digital government, emerging technologies, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, innovation ecosystems, and capacity building.

It reflected both countries shared ambition to leverage digital transformation as a driver of sustainable economic growth, efficient public services, and inclusive innovation.

At the signing ceremony, the Minister, Tijani, said: “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.”

He added: “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.”

In his remark, according to the statement, the Finnish Under‑Secretary of State, Jarno Syrjälä, 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 further noted that the MoU complements 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.