The Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ericsson to establish a framework for cooperation on the development, deployment and innovation of fifth generation (5G) technologies.
Mr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria, and Mr. Peter Ogundele, Country Manager of Ericsson Nigeria, signed the MoU on behalf of the company.
The MoU, signed at the research and development lab at Ericsson’s global headquarters in Kista, north of Stockholm, Sweden, was witnessed by Vice President Kassim Shettima and Ericsson Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Patrik Johansson. Middle East and Africa.
The company also gave a presentation to Shettima on the evolution of 5G technology, radio spectrum issues and standardization, cybersecurity and network security by Ericsson experts.
Speaking after the presentation, Shettima asked about the possibility of the company deploying 5G technology to help improve the safety of oil facilities in Nigeria.
“What added value will it give us? Security for oil facilities, oil pipelines. How can we use 5G to ensure the safety of oil pipelines and address the problems of oil theft and pipeline destruction? “Can we introduce it?” he asked.
“How much oil theft gets unlocked is really important for economic planning and everything.”
“5G technology will be applied to agriculture and mining.”
Mr. Tijani explained that the signing of the MoU will enable Nigeria to take full advantage of 5G technology in accordance with President Bola Tinubu’s New Hope policy.
“So we signed a memorandum of understanding with Ericsson to establish an innovation lab. The focus of that lab will be to come up with applications based on 5G technology,” the minister said.
“In agriculture, mining, and in some cases education, and for the general use of connectivity to improve people’s quality of life.
“In particular, the New Hope agenda has to do with what we are trying to do with reform.”
Tijani further said that the reforms are aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s economy and that “it is clear that we cannot diversify our economy without digital technology.”
“This MoU will enable us to strengthen our connectivity, especially in 5G. As you know, Nigeria is already one of the few countries on the continent that has 5G,” he said.
“This MoU will ensure we continue to deploy 5G not only in key regions but across the country, ensuring we can achieve the economic growth we desire.”
Tijani said Shettima’s visit to Sweden was “crucial for the growth and development of Nigeria’s digitalization drive”.
“But I have to say how strong Sweden is as a country and how extremely important the vice president’s visit is,” he said.
“This is a country that has leveraged technology to drive forward development. It is a very strong country in technology and business.
“They have important brands like Volvo and Ericsson, they are global brands. And I am very excited about the reforms that are going on in this country and the efforts to increase productivity levels and make the economy more competitive. I think about ambition.”
Mr. Tijani said it was important for both sides to take advantage of Mr. Shettima’s strength and this visit to truly deepen the relationship between the two countries.
