The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has expressed interest in having the government of Finland intervention on smart city and waste management technologies.

​Wike, who disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, said that Abuja needs smart technologies to enhance infrastructure, agriculture, and sustainable urban management.

He also noted that his administration would be glad to deepen its bilateral relationship and other partnerships with the Finnish government.

Wike said, ​”It would be a pleasure for us to have a discussion on waste management with any firm that has the right capacity to manage our waste; that is very, very key for us.

“As a city, we are willing to cooperate with the cities of other countries to see how we can partner in terms of infrastructure and agriculture.

“You have already mentioned your willingness to provide support in infrastructure development, smart city technology, and green energy. We are very willing to partner with you in these areas”, Wike stated.

Earlier in her speech, the Finnish Ambassador Sanna Selin said that Finland was working to ensure a strengthened relationship with Nigeria.

According to the Ambassador, increasing trade and supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation are top priorities for the Finnish mission.

​”Finland is one of the most digitised countries in the world, and we have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria on digitalisation and innovation.

“We are also very advanced in water and waste management technologies, as well as circular economy solutions”, the Ambassador added.