The engagement brought together representatives from state governments, digital economy TWGs, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and professional bodies to deliberate on digital policies, share experiences, and explore avenues for inter-state collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation goals.

Representing Sokoto State at the event was a delegation led by the Honourable Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo, alongside state members of the Technical Working Group (TWG). The Sokoto team shared updates on the state’s digital strategy, infrastructure efforts, and ongoing programs focused on digital infrastructure, youth empowerment, digital literacy, and innovation, which are some of the key areas the Government of Sokoto State, under the leadership of His Excellency, the Governor of Sokoto State, Dr Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto prioritizes.

In his remarks, Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo emphasized that Sokoto is not merely discussing technology but actively shaping the future of governance, entrepreneurship, education, and productivity. He highlighted the state’s growing investments in digital skills training, infrastructure development, and innovation, and called for deeper collaboration with NITDA, neighboring states, and the private sector to build a digitally driven, inclusive economy.

Building on the presentation, Ahmad Isa Chafe, Director MIS from Usman Danfodio University Sokoto (UDUS) provided a situation report on ICT developments happening around the State digital ecosystem. He outlined key achievements across sectors and called for the realignment of the basic and secondary education curriculum with 21st-century digital demands. He also highlighted the state’s progress in youth empowerment, innovation support, and infrastructure development.

Earlier, in his welcome remarks, Mr. Ajayi Babajide Ayodimeji, Director of the Zonal Office Coordination Department at NITDA, welcomed participants and explained that the stakeholder engagement was initiated to deepen collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational governments on digital transformation.

According to him, the platform serves not only for sensitization but also allows states to contribute ideas and express their views on NITDA’s programs and initiatives. Mr. Ajayi expressed hope that the deliberations would lead to actionable outcomes and stronger coordination of digital strategies across the country.

Delivering the keynote address, Engr. Kabir Salihu, Coordinator of NITDA’s Northwest Zonal Office, presented 2025 statistics indicating a low rate of online participation across the region. He called for urgent action to promote digital economic inclusion, stressing the importance of joint investments by federal and state governments in digital infrastructure.

He noted that proven digital tools exist to support livelihoods and economic productivity, but emphasized the need for coordinated policy and implementation to unlock their full potential.

During the technical sessions, TWG members from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara deliberated on shared challenges and opportunities, particularly the need for stronger alignment with national frameworks, expanded broadband infrastructure, and collaborative efforts in digital skills development and e-governance. Sokoto State reaffirmed its readiness to deepen collaboration with NITDA and other stakeholders toward building a sustainable and inclusive digital economy.

The event forms part of NITDA’s continued efforts to coordinate the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) at the state level, ensuring that no region is left behind. It represents a critical step toward harmonizing federal and state efforts to build a unified and future-ready digital ecosystem in Nigeria.

The engagement was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation Sokoto, Alh. Bashir Mai Gari Dingyadi, representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, officials from MIDE, the Sokoto Information and Communications Technology Development Agency (SICTDA).

Also at the event were the Vice Chancellor of the iConic Open University, Dr Shadi Sabeh, a representative from of the Vice Chancellor of the Shehu Shagari University of Education, Dr Yahaya Isah Shehu, the Director ICT of the institution.

Others, includes members of the Technical Working Groups (TWGs) from all three states as well as representatives from academia, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Sokoto Professionals Network (SPN), the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), civil society groups, and other relevant stakeholders.

This collaboration reinforces Sokoto State’s position as a committed partner in Nigeria’s journey toward becoming a leading digital economy in Africa.

Muhammad Abubakar
(HoU, Digital Media and Communications)
7 August 2025