Nokia Networks of Finland is seeking federal government collaboration that will afford it the opportunity to support Nigeria’s digital economy agenda.
The Deputy Minister, Under-Secretary of State for International Trade from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Jarno Syrjala, stated this when he led a delegation from Nokia Networks of Finland to visit the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently.
Syrjala believes that government collaboration and partnership with communications service providers in Nigeria, as well as cable and other operators, will help to expand the government’s digital economy pursuit.
“Collaboration is key as it will help to deliver critical network systems with high performance, reliability and security for Nigeria,” he said.
He added that while it is important to explore further opportunities for mutually-beneficial relationships, Nokia already has an R&D centre in Nigeria, and would target greater investment in this regard.
Meanwhile, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, has requested Nokia Networks to increase its investments in Research and Development (R&D) to support the growth of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Nigeria.
He said this is important as the Nigerian government is keenly interested in harnessing Nokia’s capabilities through technology transfer to support Nigerian youths in technical skills.
“The Nigerian government is targeting training of three million youths in ICT skills to advance the country’s digital economy. We are keen on getting the youths employed, as our Ministry is targeting three million youths for skills acquisition,” he said.
Maida informed the Nokia contingent that the Commission places primacy in R&D as the bedrock of any knowledge economy, and for advancement of innovation.
He, therefore, urged Nokia and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), to explore R&D opportunities to deepen local content development in Nigeria.
