VP Shettima, Swedish PM discuss strengthening Nigeria-Sweden collaboration
Vice President Kashim Shettima led Nigerian officials in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with telecom giant Ericsson for the establishment of a 5G Innovation Lab. The MoU was signed on Friday at Ericsson’s Global Headquarters in Kista, Stockholm, with the aim of positioning Nigeria among the world’s top users of 5G technology.
The agreement is expected to boost Nigeria’s technological capabilities and drive economic growth by leveraging 5G technology to enhance productivity in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and education. The MoU was signed by Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, on behalf of the Nigerian government, and Peter Olusoji Ogundele, Country Manager for Ericsson Nigeria, on behalf of the telecom giant.
The Minister for Communications, Dr. Tijani, expressed optimism about the potential impact of 5G in Nigeria, noting that the technology will be key in diversifying the nation’s economy. “The establishment of the 5G Innovation Lab will lead to the development of applications that will improve connectivity and quality of life for Nigerians,” Tijani said.
Vice President Shettima, who witnessed the signing, highlighted the importance of using 5G technology to enhance security, particularly in securing Nigeria’s oil facilities and combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The deal marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic diversification through digital technology.
VP Shettima Meets Swedish Prime Minister to Deepen Bilateral Relations
On the same day, Vice President Shettima met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm to discuss expanding trade, strengthening strategic partnerships, and fostering regional security cooperation between the two nations. The talks aimed at deepening collaborations in areas of mutual interest, with a focus on proactive interventions that will benefit both countries.
The high-level delegation accompanying Shettima included Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, among others.
VP Shettima Explores Green Transport Solutions at Scania HQ
Earlier in the day, VP Shettima toured the headquarters of Swedish automobile manufacturer Scania in Södertälje to explore green transportation solutions for Nigeria. Discussions centered on leveraging biofuel and other eco-friendly technologies to address Nigeria’s transport challenges, a key focus of President Tinubu’s push for cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions.
Shettima emphasized the need to consider all available options, including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), to modernize Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure. He praised Scania’s expertise in manufacturing heavy-duty trucks and buses, which could play a critical role in Nigeria’s transportation sector reform.
The Vice President was accompanied by several senior officials, including the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Engr. Aminu Maida, and the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi.