Nigeria and Finland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in digitalisation and innovation, officials said on Tuesday.
The agreement was signed in Abuja by Nigeria’s Bosun Tijani and Finland’s Jarno Syrjälä. According to a statement from the Embassy of Finland in Nigeria, the MoU establishes a framework for collaboration in digital government, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and capacity building.
Tijani described the agreement as “an important step in strengthening the partnership between both countries” and said it builds on earlier discussions held in Helsinki on digital infrastructure and collaboration opportunities. He added that the MoU is expected to “unlock meaningful opportunities as a catalyst for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”
Syrjälä emphasized Finland’s commitment 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 also highlighted Nigeria as a key partner for Finland in Africa, noting that the MoU lays a solid foundation for cooperation among governments, institutions, and the private sector.
Separately, Finland will lead a €23 million Team Europe Initiative to strengthen Nigeria’s digital public services and support the rollout of the 3 Million Technical Talent programme. Funded by the European Union and implemented by Finland’s HAUS in partnership with Estonia’s ESTDEV, the initiative forms part of the EU–Nigeria Digital Economy Package under the Global Gateway strategy.
The programme aims to enhance digital governance and skills development, expand access to secure, interoperable, citizen-centred public services, and strengthen institutional capacity and governance frameworks in Nigeria.
