Finland on Tuesday, expressed interest to expand economic and technical cooperation with Nigeria, even as it identifies Abuja as a key hub for smart city solutions, green energy, and waste-management projects.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit to the Federal Capital Territory Administration by the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Sanna Selin, where both sides discussed areas of collaboration tied to the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding on digitalization and innovation.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whole receiving the ambassador said, the visit marked an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and explore partnerships that align with the FCT’s rapid growth and infrastructure priorities.
The minister assured that, “As a city, we are willing to cooperate with sister cities of other countries to see how we can partner in terms of infrastructure and agriculture. You have already said here that you are willing to give support in infrastructure, such as smart city technology and clean energy. We will be willing to partner with you in these areas to optimize our relationship for the mutual benefit of both countries.”
Wike highlighted the urgent need to improve waste management in the FCT, describing it as critical to sustaining Abuja’s growth and livability.
“It will be good if we can have a discussion on waste management with any firm that has the right capacity to manage our waste, that’s very, very key for us. I would be very much interested,” the minister said.
He reassured the Finnish diplomatic community of the FCT Administration’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment for international partners.
“We owe you a duty to provide an enabling environment here in terms of security for you to be able to carry out your duties. You can agree with me that Abuja is growing every day and the security has very much improved. There is so much construction going on that you can identify,” Wike added.
Earlier, Ambassador Selin commended the FCT Administration for its massive infrastructural investments and the safety provided for diplomats, saying Finland was ready to contribute expertise in sectors that can accelerate Abuja’s urban evolution.
“Finland recognizes the FCTA’s ongoing infrastructure investment and is ready to offer its expertise in many fields, for example, in planning, clean energy solutions, and sustainable constructions to bring about rapid urban development in Abuja,” she said.
She highlighted Finland’s strength in digitalization, water and waste management, and circular economy solutions, noting that these areas could form the foundation for concrete bilateral projects in the FCT.
“Finland is one of the most digitized countries in the whole world, and we have recently signed the MoU, Memorandum of Understanding, with Nigeria on digitalization and innovation. We are also very advanced in water and waste management technologies. Waste and water management technologies. And, of course, everything which is related to circular economy solutions is also something that we are quite famous for. So, I hope that between the Capital City region, FCT, and Finland, we could also bring our expertise here,” the Ambassador added.
