Key Points

• The Nordic-Nigeria collaboration will deepen ties in clean energy and technology.

• New MoUs were signed on green energy, digital skills, and trade.

• Bosun Tijani said the Nordic-Nigeria collaboration will spur jobs and innovation.

Nigeria is strengthening its business and diplomatic ties with Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden by focussing on energy transition, digital technology, and sustainable growth.

At the Nordic-Nigeria Connect 2025 forum in Lagos, high-ranking officials from both sides signed a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to work together more closely on renewable energy, digital infrastructure, healthcare innovation, and agritech.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and the Digital Economy, said that the new wave of partnerships is part of Nigeria’s larger goal to make technology and sustainability a central part of its growth plans.

Tijani said, “This partnership between Nordic countries and Nigeria is a strategic chance to make Nigeria a centre for innovation and clean technology in the region.” “We’re not just looking for money; we’re also working together to find solutions for Africa’s future.”

Nordic-Nigeria partnership pushes for clean energy

Lina Gandløse Hansen, Denmark’s State Secretary for Trade and Global Sustainability, said that Denmark is committed to helping Nigeria use more renewable energy. She said that Denmark is using its Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) program to pay for solar hybrid solutions and long-lasting water systems in northern Nigeria.

Knut Eiliv Leira, Norway’s ambassador to Nigeria, talked about how Norwegian energy company Empower New Energy is still working with Nigerian businesses like Jendol Superstores and Bolema Manufacturing. These companies recently agreed to test new clean energy projects worth millions of dollars.

Digital change is a big part of the Nordic-Nigerian partnership

According to Jarno Syrjälä, Finland’s Deputy Minister for International Trade, Finnish companies are working more closely with Nigerian start-ups on digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, and making sure everyone has access to financial services.

The new MoU between Finland’s Business Finland agency and Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is meant to help Nigeria’s Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program build local capacity.

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through his Deputy Chief of Staff Gboyega Soyannwo, promised that the state would help set up innovation hubs that would connect entrepreneurs from Nigeria and the Nordic countries. He said, “Lagos is ready to be the centre of Africa’s innovation ecosystem.”

The goal of the partnership is to promote long-term growth and growth that includes everyone

Dr. Muda Yusuf, who used to be the Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says that the project shows a shift away from aid-based models and towards co-creation.

Yusuf said, “The Nordic model stresses partnership, innovation, and openness—values that Nigeria can use to stay strong in the long term.”

The Nordic-Nigeria partnership is expected to create thousands of jobs, increase the use of renewable energy, and bring in new investments in digital trade and agriculture by bringing together technology, green energy, and private-sector participation.

At the end of the forum, both sides agreed on their shared goal: to build a partnership that is sustainable, open to everyone, and based on technology that is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).