INTRO

The past two weeks were marked by high-level engagements, strategic partnerships, and forward-looking initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy and positioning the country for long-term prosperity. From deepening international cooperation with key global partners to advancing critical national programmes such as Project BRIDGE and the National Digital Economy Research Clusters, these engagements reflect a deliberate focus on infrastructure, innovation, and institutional development.

This edition of Week in Review captures activities spanning March 23 to April 2, 2026, highlighting sustained efforts to build a resilient digital ecosystem, unlock investments, and ensure that technology continues to serve as a catalyst for inclusive growth across Nigeria.

TIMELINE

Monday, March 23 – Strengthening international digital partnerships

• The Honourable Minister attended the Nigeria-EU Ministerial engagement in Abuja at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In his remarks at the meeting, he highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s partnership with the European Union towards advancing our digital economy, and restated Nigeria’s commitment to deepen strategic relationships that further drives our ambition towards building a $1trillion economy.
• Dr. Tijani returned to his office where he received Jarno Syrjälä, Under Secretary of State for International Trade at Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, accompanied by H.E. Sanna Selin, Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria. Building on outcomes from his recent partnership and investment tour of Europe, both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) targeted at accelerating collaboration across key areas of our digital economy including digital government, connectivity, emerging technologies, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, and innovation ecosystems. This agreement solidifies the ongoing conversations with Finnish development and private sector companies and through this partnership, Nigeria and Finland will advance initiatives that drive inclusive growth, ensuring that both countries harness the full potential of digital transformation for shared prosperity.

Tuesday, March 24 – Advancing investment in digital infrastructure

• Dr. Tijani had a meeting with senior members of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) team in Nigeria to align on their participation in the private equity component of Project BRIDGE. As we welcome more partners and investors on the project, this engagement reflects growing stakeholder confidence in our goal to deliver 90,000km of open-access fibre infrastructure as a critical foundation for meaningful connectivity.
• Next was his meeting with representatives of the European Investment Bank (EIB) who have shown interest in also supporting Project BRIDGE.

Wednesday, March 25 – Promoting technology-driven crisis management

• The Honourable Minister delivered keynote remarks at the inaugural edition of the Crisis Management Advocacy Month Flagship (Crisis-X) Conference organised by Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Lead Partner, CMC Connect. In his address, he highlighted the critical role of data, technology, and coordinated systems in managing modern crises, while stressing the need for organisations to embrace a forward-looking approach. The Conference is aimed at spotlighting the urgent need for Artificial Intelligence-driven strategies and more coordinated systems to address today’s rapidly evolving crisis landscape.

Thursday, March 26 – Scaling digital talent through partnerships

• He attended the 3MTT Partner Network Launch & Showcase where he also delivered a keynote address. The event marked a pivotal moment for the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, transitioning from a high-impact national initiative into a structured, scalable talent infrastructure and backed by the European Union. The launch and showcase event brought together existing 3MTT programme partners, prospective partners from across the private sector, development community, government and civil society, and selected 3MTT fellows who shared first-hand accounts of their journeys through the programme.

Friday, March 27 – Expanding connectivity through USPF governance

• Providing meaningful connectivity for citizens in unserved and underserved communities across the country is of paramount importance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. That was Dr. Tijani’s message at the inauguration of the Board of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) which he Chairs. The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders including Idris Olorunnimbe, Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Vice Chairman, USPF Board; Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC; Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner Stakeholder Management, NCC/Board Member, USPF; and Yomi Arowosafe, Secretary, USPF.

Sunday, March 29 – Empowering student innovation and entrepreneurship

• On Sunday, the Honourable Minister joined his colleague, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, the Honourable Minister of Education, at the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG) finalist bootcamp, closing ceremony and awards presentation in Lagos, where 45 students were awarded a N2.2billion grant to scale their innovative business ventures. In his brief statement at the event, Dr. Tijani commended the winners and highlighted the critical role of digital innovation in national development, even as he encouraged participants to continue building scalable, technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges. The S-VCG initiative, as a key driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is designed to empower students to translate their innovative ideas into impactful ventures.