Nigeria, Finland Sign MoU On Digitalisation, Innovation

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

This was disclosed by Ms Maria Ruuskanen of the Press and Communications Unit of the Finnish Embassy in Abuja.

She said the MoU was signed in Abuja on 23rd March by Nigeria’s minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr ‘Bosun Tijani and Mr Jarno Syrjälä, under‑secretary of state (International Trade) of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

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. 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,”  Dr. Bosun Tijani said.

“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.

“Finland is very pleased to deepen its partnership with Nigeria in building resilient, secure, and human‑centric digital societies,” Under‑Secretary of State Jarno Syrjälä said.

“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 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.