The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Finland to deepen collaboration in digitalisation, innovation, and the protection of critical digital assets. The agreement, signed on March 23, 2026, in Abuja, was formalised by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, and Finland’s Under Secretary of State for International Trade, Jarno Syrjälä, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen its digital economy.
The partnership is designed to leverage Nigeria’s growing technical talent and expanding digital infrastructure, while opening up new opportunities for startups and improving cybersecurity resilience. Central to the agreement are key areas of cooperation, including the development of digital public infrastructure to enhance government data sharing and service delivery, as well as joint research in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain to drive efficiency across sectors.
Speaking on the development, Tijani said the agreement builds on earlier engagements held in Helsinki with institutions such as Finnvera and Finnfund, expressing confidence that the collaboration would unlock new economic opportunities for both countries. On his part, Syrjälä noted that Finland’s approach to digitalisation is rooted in trust and inclusivity, adding that the agreement would provide a framework for deeper cooperation between public institutions and private sector players in both nations.
The MoU also aligns with broader global initiatives, including the European Union’s digital public services agenda, and includes provisions for training Nigerian youth and technology professionals to manage advanced digital systems. Authorities say the collaboration is expected to enhance fintech solutions, improve the security of digital transactions, accelerate government service delivery, and strengthen Nigeria’s position within the global technology ecosystem.