Finland says it has assumed a lead role in the Team Europe initiative to strengthen Nigeria’s Digital Public Service and support the 3 Million Technical Talent programme.

The Finnish ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

According to Ms Selin, the initiative, titled ‘Support to Digital Public Services and Talent Management’, is valued at €23 million and fully funded by the European Union.

“It forms part of the EU-Nigeria Digital Economy Package under the Global Gateway strategy and is aligned with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030.

“Also, the Ministry’s strategic priorities (2023-2027), in close cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE),” she said.

Ms Selin announced that Finland will take the lead in a new Team Europe Initiative designed to enhance Nigeria’s digital public services and advance inclusive digital skills.

The envoy affirmed that Finland’s development and training company, HAUS, will lead the initiative’s implementation in partnership with Estonia’s Development Agency and bring together European expertise in digital government and public-sector innovation.

Ms Selin reaffirmed that, through the initiative, the EU and its member states seek to expand access to secure, interoperable, and citizen-centric digital public services.

“To strengthen institutional capacity and governance and support the rollout of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme. By doing so, the programme will contribute to improving public service delivery.

“Reinforcing trust in government and creating new economic opportunities for citizens and businesses. Finland has a long and proven track record of secure digital governance, interoperability, and citizen-centric public services.

“By bringing this expertise into the Team Europe Initiative, we are committed to supporting Nigeria in developing interoperable digital public services that meet the highest EU standards,” said Ms Selin.

The diplomat reiterated that Finland’s collaboration would strengthen cybersecurity and data protection practices, build institutional capacity, and expand inclusive digital access for both citizens and businesses.

“Together, we are helping to shape a trusted, transparent, and innovation-driven digital future for Nigeria,” Ms Selin said.

(NAN)