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**Vice President Kashim Shettima Leads Nigerian Delegation in Signing 5G Innovation Lab Agreement with Ericsson**
Vice President Kashim Shettima has led a delegation of Nigerian officials in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with telecom giant Ericsson for the establishment of a 5G Innovation Lab. The initiative aims to position Nigeria as a leader in the use of 5G technology to enhance productivity and advance technological capabilities.
The agreement was formalized on Friday at Ericsson’s Global Headquarters and Research and Development Lab in Kista, located north of Stockholm, Sweden. Vice President Shettima and Ericsson’s Senior Vice President and Head of Business Area Middle East and Africa witnessed the signing. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, signed on behalf of the Nigerian government, while Peter Olusoji Ogundele, Country Manager for Ericsson Nigeria, signed on behalf of the company.
5G, the fifth generation of cellular networks, is reported to be 100 times faster than 4G, providing unprecedented opportunities for businesses, technology, and communities worldwide. Dr. Tijani highlighted the MoU’s significance, expressing optimism that Nigeria would maximize the benefits of 5G technology. He said, “The broad coverage will drive rapid development and growth for Nigeria’s economy.”
Dr. Tijani added, “The Vice President’s visit aims to deepen our relationship with tech partners. We signed this MoU to establish an Innovation Lab with Ericsson, focusing on 5G applications for sectors such as agriculture, mining, and education, as well as general connectivity to enhance Nigerians’ quality of life.”
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes reforms to diversify Nigeria’s economy through digital technology.
Vice President Shettima, during a briefing on Ericsson’s technological advancements, discussed the possibility of deploying 5G technology to enhance the security of Nigeria’s oil facilities, prevent theft, and address pipeline vandalism. He emphasized the importance of leveraging technology for managing the nation’s oil economy.
**High-Level Discussions with Swedish Prime Minister**
In Stockholm, Vice President Shettima also met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, covering trade expansion, strategic partnerships, regional security cooperation, and proactive collaborations.
The Vice President was joined by Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Nigerian Embassy officials.
**VP Shettima Explores Green Transport Solutions with Scania**
Earlier in the day, Vice President Shettima visited Scania’s headquarters in Södertälje, Sweden, in a strategic engagement aimed at exploring collaboration opportunities and biofuel solutions for Nigeria’s transport sector. The Vice President noted that exploring various solutions was crucial for addressing Nigeria’s transportation challenges, aligning with President Tinubu’s emphasis on cleaner and more efficient transportation, including recent initiatives around Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Mr. Fredrik Wijkander of Scania Group hosted the Vice President, who explored ways the company’s expertise in heavy-duty trucks and buses could contribute to modernizing Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.
The Vice President was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission Engr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and other senior officials including the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Sweden, Mallam Aliyu Mahmud, and Dr. Salihu Dasuki Nakande, Special Assistant to the President on ICT Policy.
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