Nigerian Government picks Ericsson to drive 5G potential

The Nigerian Government is partnering with Ericsson to develop the potential of 5G connectivity in Nigeria. A new memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during an October 18 Federal Republic of Nigeria government delegation visit to Ericsson’s Global headquarters in Sweden, headed by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

The purpose of the MoU is to establish a framework of cooperation between the Nigerian Government and Ericsson Nigeria spanning 5G technology development, deployment and innovation. Nigeria is Africa’s largest country by population, accounting for more than 15 percent of the continent’s population.

Supporting digital transformation objectives in Nigeria, including economic growth and improving public services through advanced, secure, and trusted 5G technology, are key factors in the cooperation.

Other partnership objectives include technology sector knowledge exchange and capacity building, supporting the establishment of innovation hubs and tech incubators in Nigeria, and enhancing digital literacy and skills development.

The high-ranking delegation accompanying Vice President Shettima included Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, and Nigeria’s Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister, Dr Bosun Tijani, as well as regional Nigerian state leaders and senior officials from Nigerian ICT and communications organizations.

The delegation was hosted at Ericsson’s Imagine Live Studio by Patrick Johansson, Head of Ericsson Middle East and Africa. The two-hour visit included a demonstration tour of Ericsson 5G technologies as well as discussions and presentations spanning Ericsson’s history in Africa and Nigeria; technology evolution, spectrum and standardization; and cyber network and security.

The MoU was signed by Dr Bosun Tijani on behalf of the Nigerian Government. Patrick Johansson and Peter Olusoji Ogundele, Head of Ericsson Nigeria, signed on behalf of Ericsson.

Johansson says: “It was an honor to show the Vice President, and his delegation colleagues, Ericsson’s leadership in 5G and technology capabilities at first-hand. We look forward to working in close partnership with the Nigerian government to develop the innovation potential of 5G for Nigerian businesses, citizens and for national digital competitiveness.”

Ericsson has been present in Nigeria since 1978 supporting customer network deployments, including launching the country’s first GSM network in 2001.