Finland Takes Lead in €23 Million EU Initiative to Strengthen Nigeria's Digital Services
The Government of Finland has announced its leadership in a new Team Europe Initiative valued at €23 million, aimed at enhancing Nigeria's digital public services and advancing inclusive digital skills. This initiative, fully funded by the European Union, will be implemented by Finland's development and training company, HAUS, in partnership with Estonia's development agency, ESTDEV, leveraging European expertise in digital government and public-sector innovation.
Initiative Details and Strategic Alignment
According to a statement released in Abuja by Press and Communications representative Maria Ruuskanen, the initiative is titled "Support to Digital Public Services and Talent Management". It forms part of the EU–Nigeria Digital Economy Package under the Global Gateway strategy and is aligned with Nigeria's National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020–2030, as well as the strategic priorities of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for 2023–2027. The collaboration involves cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
Through this initiative, the EU and its member states aim to achieve several key objectives:
- Expand access to secure, interoperable, and citizen-centric digital public services.
- Strengthen institutional capacity and governance in the digital sector.
- Support the rollout of Nigeria's 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.
Ruuskanen emphasized that the programme will contribute to improving public service delivery, reinforcing trust in government, and creating new economic opportunities for citizens and businesses.
Expertise and Commitment from Finland
Finland brings a long and proven track record in secure digital governance, interoperability, and citizen-centric public services to this initiative. Ruuskanen stated, "We are committed to supporting Nigeria in developing interoperable digital public services that meet the highest EU standards." She further explained that the collaboration will focus on strengthening cybersecurity and data protection practices, building institutional capacity, and expanding inclusive digital access for both citizens and businesses.
Sanna Selin, Finland's Ambassador to Nigeria, added, "Together, we are helping to shape a trusted, transparent, and innovation-driven digital future for Nigeria." This initiative underscores Finland's dedication to fostering digital transformation in Nigeria through strategic partnerships and European expertise.
