Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging technology and international partnerships to fast-track inclusive economic growth, while describing Nordic countries as strategic allies in the nation’s journey towards a digital and sustainable future.
Speaking at the 2025 edition of the Nordic–Nigeria Connect business forum held yesterday in Lagos, Tijani said the Tinubu administration’s vision of shared prosperity aligned strongly with the Nordic model of innovation, empathy, and trust, values he said are essential to building context-driven partnerships capable of transforming lives.
He disclosed that Nigeria is investing in over 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network to extend affordable broadband across the country, while expanding telecommunication towers to connect about 20 million unserved Nigerians.
In addition, he said, the government is accelerating the deployment of satellites for national use and driving the three million technical talent programme, the largest talent development initiative in the world, to position Nigeria as a global hub for skilled digital professionals.
Tijani said, “Our president’s mandate is to create shared prosperity. We are leveraging digital technology to deliver that vision, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of where they live, has access to meaningful and affordable connectivity.”
He added that the ministry is implementing the national digital public infrastructure framework to unify government services and improve citizens’ access to essential needs through technology.
Highlighting ongoing Nordic partnerships, the minister announced new collaborations with Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden to support Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure, satellite development, and artificial intelligence initiatives.
Describing Nigeria as a future market of half a billion people, Tijani urged Nordic partners to see the country not only as a destination for trade but also as a critical workforce base for sustainable growth.
In his remarks, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said Lagos has moved “from invitation to implementation” as Nordic partnerships in green energy, e-health, and digital innovation begin to take root across the state.
Represented by His Deputy Chief of Staff, Samuel Ebube, Sanwo-Olu proposed the establishment of a Lagos–Nordic Innovation Corridor to connect institutions, research centres, and private sector players in scaling sustainable technologies across Africa’s most populous city.
The Deputy Minister for Foreign Trade of Finland, Jarno Syrjala, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to Nigeria’s digital, agricultural, and green energy transitions, noting that the Nordic values of transparency, equality, and environmental responsibility align closely with Nigeria’s development priorities.
Also, Denmark’s State Secretary for Trade and Investment, H.E. Lina Gandlose Hansen, described the gathering as evidence of the Nordic region’s long-term engagement with Africa, stressing that “this is Africa’s century.”
She said Danish companies are already exploring opportunities in food security, logistics, maritime services, and digitalisation, and emphasised that Nigeria’s market potential makes it a crucial partner.
Speaking during a panel session, the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Svein Baera, noted that renewable energy, maritime collaboration, and seafood production present key growth areas for Nigeria–Norway trade.
Deputy Director-General and Director for Africa, Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Johan Frisell, said the Nordic collaboration seeks to promote inclusive green and digital transformation, adding that the region’s experience in sustainable innovation complements Nigeria’s youthful, technology-driven population.
