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STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

Nigeria Seals Deal With Ericsson To Advance 5G Tech Development

*** VP Shettima, Swedish PM agree to deepen collaboration, strategic partnerships between Nigeria, Sweden

*** As Nigerian VP explores green transport solutions at Scania HQ

Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM has led other Nigerian officials to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and telecom giant, @ericsson, on a 5G Innovation Lab.

The deal is aimed at placing Nigeria among the world's top users of the 5G network in terms of productivity and boosting Nigeria's technological capabilities.

The MoU, signed on Friday at Ericsson's Global Headquarters and Research and Development Lab in Kista, North of Stockholm, Sweden, was witnessed by Vice President Shettima, and Ericsson's Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Middle East and Africa.

Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani @bosuntijani, signed the MoU on behalf of the Nigerian government, while Peter Olusoji Ogundele, Country Manager, Ericsson Nigeria @EricssonMEA, signed on behalf of the telecom giant.

5G is the fifth generation of cellular networks said to be 100 times faster than 4G, thereby creating unprecedented opportunities for people, businesses and technology across the world.

Outlining the importance of the MoU, Minister for Communications, Dr. Tijani, expressed optimism that Nigeria will make the most of 5G technology as its wide coverage will lead to rapid development and growth of the Nigerian economy.

The Minister said, "It is important that we use the strength of the VP's visit to truly deepen the relationship with some of our tech partners, and that is what the VP is doing in all the meetings he has had.

"So we signed the MoU to set up an Innovation Lab with Ericsson, and the focus of that Lab will be to come up with applications based on 5G technology for our projects and practices in agriculture, mining, education, as well as for the general usage of connectivity to improve the quality of life for our people.

"Again, the President's Renewed Hope Agenda, in particular, ties into what we are trying to do with the reforms. The aim of the reforms is to diversify our economy, and it is clear that we cannot diversify our economy without digital technology".

Vice President Shettima @officialSKSM, while being briefed on the company's technological evolution, radio spectrum matters, standardisation, as well as Cyber and Network Security, inquired about the possibility of deploying 5G technology to help Nigeria improve security of oil facilities, prevent oil theft, and pipeline vandalization.

Senator Shettima noted that it was crucial for management and planning of the nation's oil economy.

Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima met with Swedish Prime Minister @SwedishPM Ulf Kristersson @tomsamuelsson in Stockholm today.

The high-level talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations, with discussions covering trade expansion, strategic partnerships, regional security cooperation, deepened collaborations, and proactive interventions.

VP Shettima was joined in the talks by Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang @CalebMutfwang; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and some Embassy officials.

VP Shettima Explores Green Transport Solutions at Scania HQ

Earlier on Friday, Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM also toured automobile giant @ScaniaGroup's headquarters in Södertälje, Sweden, describing it as a strategic engagement to discuss Nigeria's market potential and explore deeper collaboration opportunities.

Exploring biofuel solutions for Nigeria's transport sector, VP Shettima stressed that all options must be on the table to address Nigeria's transportation challenges.

This, he said, aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's push for cleaner and more efficient transportation, especially considering the recent emphasis on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

The Vice President who was received by Mr. Fredrik Wijkander of the @ScaniaEA Group also held discussions that could contribute to innovative solutions to ease Nigeria's transportation challenges.

From heavy-duty trucks to buses, Scania's expertise is expected to play a crucial role in modernizing Nigeria's transport infrastructure.

Others who joined the Vice President on the visits included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission, Engr. Aminu Maida, and Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.

Others were Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi; Chargé d'Affaires, Nigerian Embassy, Sweden, Mallam Aliyu Mahmud, and Special Assistant to the President on ICT Policy, Dr. Salihu Dasuki Nakande, among others.

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
18th October, 2024

In another high-level engagement during his visit to Sweden, Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently meeting with top executives at Ericsson, the multinational telecommunications company.

The Vice President was received by Mr. Patrick Johansson, Senior Vice President and Head of Middle East and Africa at Ericsson, along with Mr. Peter Olusoji Ogundele, Head of Ericsson Nigeria.

The talks are focused on collaborations to enhance Nigeria's telecommunications sector, 5G implementation and digital infrastructure development.

Discussions also cover the digital economy and revolution, digital education, communication, telecom, global communication outsourcing, future generation and tech evolutions.

VP Shettima's engagement with Ericsson follows his earlier visit to Scania.

Honourable Minister, Dr. @bosuntijani is currently in Sweden on a 2-day working visit as part of Nigeria’s delegation to the country led by Vice President @officialSKSM.

His engagements in the Scandinavian country are focused on exploring opportunities for partnership and investment in innovation and technology for the growth of our digital economy.

Nigeria is of strategic importance to Sweden, especially in the area of technology startup and innovation.

Nigeria, Ericsson sign MoU to establish 5G innovation lab

Ugonnia Ozibo by Ugonnia Ozibo

Nigeria and Swedish telecom giant, Ericsson, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a 5G Innovation Lab aimed at advancing Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.

This was revealed by Vice President Kashim Shettima’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, during the Vice President’s working visit to Sweden.

Ericsson, one of the world’s leading providers of telecommunications technology, is known for pioneering mobile networks globally, including the rollout of 5G technology.

The company’s involvement in Nigeria’s 5G Innovation Lab is expected to significantly boost the country’s telecommunications capabilities, enabling faster internet speeds, improved connectivity, and fostering innovation in various sectors.

Backstory

Vice President Shettima embarked on a 2-day trip to Sweden on October 16, 2024, at the direction of President Bola Tinubu.

The visit is focused on fostering stronger bilateral ties between Nigeria and Sweden in areas like information and communication technology (ICT), digitalization, innovation, and sustainable transport. High-level talks are underway with key Swedish government officials, including Crown Princess Victoria and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

Shettima also held discussions with Norrsken, a Stockholm-based venture capital firm that recently launched a $205 million tech investment fund, Norrsken22, dedicated to supporting African startups.

About 40% of the fund’s investments will be directed toward Nigerian tech entrepreneurs, providing critical support for the country’s growing digital economy.

CoronaVirusPro:
Is the Nigerian government going to impose Ericsson on Telcos or give Telcos tax reliefs if they patronize Ericsson? Cos, Ericsson already lost the Nigerian market beyond redemption EXCEPT the FGN wants to play a key role in imposing it on telcos

Huawei already nailed Ericsson’s coffin in Nigeria.

CoronaVirusPro:
Is the Nigerian government going to impose Ericsson on Telcos or give Telcos tax reliefs if they patronize Ericsson? Cos, Ericsson already lost the Nigerian market beyond redemption EXCEPT the FGN wants to play a key role in imposing it on telcos

Huawei already nailed Ericsson’s coffin in Nigeria.

CoronaVirusPro:
Is the Nigerian government going to impose Ericsson on Telcos or give Telcos tax reliefs if they patronize Ericsson? Cos, Ericsson already lost the Nigerian market beyond redemption EXCEPT the FGN wants to play a key role in imposing it on telcos

Huawei already nailed Ericsson’s coffin in Nigeria.

xpressionx:
We are still using 4G in the name of 5G when they have secretly started test running 6G.

MTN and AIRTEL are guilty of this

Akfrenzy:
SIEMENS come to mind