By Jennete Ugo Anya
Nigeria has taken a further step in its digital transformation drive, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Finland to deepen collaboration in digitalisation, innovation and emerging technologies, in a move that underscores growing bilateral ties between both countries.
The agreement, signed recently in Abuja, formalises a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening cooperation across critical areas of the digital economy, including digital government, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, innovation ecosystems and capacity building.
Disclosing the development, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Isime Esene, said that the MoU was executed by the minister, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, and Mr. Jarno Syrjälä, Under Secretary of State for International Trade at Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
According to the statement, the agreement establishes a framework for both countries to jointly advance digital transformation as a tool for economic growth, efficient public service delivery and inclusive innovation.
“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.
“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,” the statement read.
Providing further context, Dr. Tijani described the agreement as a continuation of earlier engagements between Nigeria and Finland, particularly discussions held in Helsinki in February with key institutions including Finnvera and Finnfund.
“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 said.
He added that the partnership is expected to unlock practical opportunities for both countries, positioning digital transformation as a catalyst for shared prosperity.
“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,” Tijani said.
On his part, Syrjälä emphasised Finland’s commitment to building resilient and inclusive digital systems through its cooperation with Nigeria, describing the country as a key partner in Africa.
“Finland is very pleased to deepen its partnership with Nigeria in building resilient, secure, and human centric digital societies,” he said.
He further stressed the broader value of digitalisation in driving trust, innovation and economic opportunity. “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,” Syrjälä added.
The agreement also builds on existing collaboration between both countries, particularly Finland’s leadership role in the European Union’s Team Europe Initiative, which supports digital public services and promotes inclusive digital skills development in Nigeria.
According to Syrjälä, the programme, implemented by Finland’s development agency HAUS in partnership with Estonia’s development agency ESTDEV, aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital transformation strategy.
The MoU is expected to translate policy alignment into concrete projects, reinforcing Nigeria’s ambition to build a technology-driven economy while strengthening its position within the global digital ecosystem.
