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NITDA DG advocates state-specific tech strategies to drive economic growth at AI workshop in Jigawa
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has called on state policymakers to leverage their unique strengths to foster economic growth and development. Abdullahi made this appeal during a capacity-building workshop themed “AI for Office Productivity, Design Thinking, Agriculture, Health, Education, Energy, and Climate Change” at the FutureMap Academy in Hadejia, Jigawa State.
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The event attracted academics, startup founders, professionals, government officials, non-governmental organizations, and students. It offered a platform for dialogue and capacity enhancement.
Focus on State-Specific Opportunities
Addressing participants, Abdullahi emphasised that effective policymaking begins with identifying and utilizing the resources and talents unique to each state. He highlighted Jigawa’s large pool of computer science graduates as a significant asset. Abdullahi urged policymakers to empower them with practical skills and opportunities to contribute to the state’s socio-economic development.
“States like Jigawa must strategically harness their human capital and natural resources to drive innovation, create jobs, and improve service delivery through technology,” Abdullahi said.
The Role of Technology in Transformation
Abdullahi underscored the transformative potential of digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing productivity and service delivery. He highlighted the importance of rethinking traditional service delivery models and leveraging technology to achieve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and citizen-centric solutions.
In his keynote, he provided real-world examples such as Uber and Airbnb, showcasing how technology and innovation can disrupt traditional business models. Abdullahi also outlined the practical applications of AI in streamlining government operations. This includes digitising land and birth certificate registration, reducing bureaucracy, and enhancing citizen experience.
“At NITDA, we use AI to streamline internal processes and manage complex tasks, improving operational efficiency. This model can be adopted across states to enhance governance and service delivery,” Abdullahi explained.
Call to Action for Participants
The NITDA DG urged attendees to embrace strategic thinking and integrate technology into their daily workflows. He emphasized the importance of starting with small, actionable changes within their organizations to inspire broader adoption of tech-driven solutions.
“Effective service delivery begins with individual commitment and grows into collective action. Let’s use technology to reimagine how we solve problems,” Abdullahi added.
Support from Stakeholders
Dr. Nihinlola Mary Fafore of Huawei reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, particularly in Northern Nigeria. She outlined Huawei’s mission to bridge the digital divide, foster entrepreneurship, and equip young Nigerians with in-demand digital skills.
“Huawei’s vision is to create an inclusive tech ecosystem where no region is left behind in Nigeria’s journey towards digital advancement,” Dr. Fafore said.
Dr. Rislan Abdulazeez Kanya, Technical Adviser to the Governor of Jigawa State on ICT and Digital Economy, echoed the sentiments, highlighting the untapped potential of local talent and the need for strategic policies to drive innovation. “Jigawa is positioning itself as a hub for tech-driven development, with the support of NITDA and other stakeholders,” Kanya stated.
Collaborative Effort for Development
The workshop was organized by FutureMap Foundation in collaboration with NITDA, the Jigawa State Government, Huawei, Cosmopolitan University, and Open School Initiative. The event underscored the importance of partnerships in fostering innovation and empowering communities through technology.
Future Prospects
Participants and organizers stressed the need for continuous learning and skill acquisition in an era of rapid technological advancement. The workshop’s insights are expected to drive the adoption of AI and other emerging technologies in Jigawa’s key sectors, including agriculture, education, and energy, positioning the state for sustainable growth.
Transformative role of technology
The Jigawa AI Workshop highlights the transformative role of technology in economic development. Through strategic policymaking, capacity building, and collaborative efforts, states like Jigawa can unlock their potential and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital economy.
