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Engr Shuaibu Kabir Bello, Senior Special Assistant to the Kaduna State Governor on ICT sat with Nana Theresa Timothy in Jos
Engr. Shuaibu Kabir Bello, Senior Special Assistant to the Kaduna State Governor on ICT, discusses the state’s strategic efforts to build a technology-driven future through partnerships with global tech giants like Huawei. Kaduna is investing in digital tools to improve government service delivery. It is also prioritising youth capacity building to foster a thriving ecosystem for innovative startups and emerging technologies such as IoT and Blockchain. With a focus on becoming Northern Nigeria’s hub for tech innovation, Kaduna is positioning itself as a leader in the digital economy. He shares with IT Edge News, Nana Theresa Timothy.
Kaduna State recently partnered with Huawei for Smart City Development. Elaborate on how this partnership is to progress. Its specific impacts on urban management and public services delivery in Kaduna.
The Huawei partnership involves a multi-phase project that we have recently initiated. We have completed the first phase, which focused on state security. This phase included installing security cameras at key intersections, major roads, city exits, and within the city itself to enhance security and manage traffic. The partnership also introduced an advanced Traffic Intelligence System to monitor the state’s traffic database. Additionally, the agreement encompasses IoT [Internet of Things] solutions and other government-related technologies. The primary goal of this collaboration is to improve security in Kaduna State, and we are dedicatedly working towards achieving this aim.
“Kaduna is positioning itself to be the tech centre of the country and not just the northern part of the country. We are making deliberate efforts and taking deliberate steps towards achieving.”
Kaduna hosted the GITEX Startup Roadshow in February 2024, a significant event for tech innovation. How has it impacted the local startup ecosystem?
The road show was aimed at providing startups the opportunity to showcase what they have. This is enable them gain local and international attention. It was also geared at getting supports from banking and financing sector. It is most especially fulfilling knowing that we were able to achieve these goals. A lot of startups who were able to make it to the roadshow left with some sort of partnership. Or at least, promises of delivery and collaboration with investors. We were able to take two startups to GITEX Africa hosted in Morocco which was a plus to us.
RELATED: Kaduna State partners with Huawei to launch ambitious smart city project
Kaduna is cultivating an environment for blockchain to flourish
Emerging technologies like Blockchain are becoming central to the global tech landscape. How is Kaduna State supporting startups focusing on these technologies?
We are currently cultivating an environment where blockchain technology can flourish, with education being a primary focus. Our assessments revealed that many youths are well-versed in Web2. But they have limited knowledge of Web3. To address this, we have developed structured programs to provide them with fundamental Web3 education. Additionally, the state is working on implementing real-world government solutions, such as a blockchain-based land registry, to fully leverage the blockchain revolution.
Kaduna aspires to be a rallying ground for tech entrepreneurs in Northern Nigeria. What strategic initiatives are being put in place and how do you see the state’s role evolving in the broader Nigerian tech sector?
Kaduna is positioning itself as the leading technical hub not only in the northern region but across the entire country. We are making intentional efforts and taking strategic steps to realize this vision. We have identified specific areas within the metropolis to develop the Kaduna Technology City. There, we aim to collaborate with major tech giants like Microsoft and Google to establish their operations. Additionally, we are focusing on enhancing tech education programs to train youths, keeping them updated and preparing them to be global tech talent. We are actively advancing in software development and data analysis, with Kaduna State emerging as a top player in these fields. The progress we are making is exciting. I am confident that significant developments will continue to unfold in the coming years.
Foreign investment is crucial for capacity building and job creation. Are there ongoing plans with offshore companies to invest in Kaduna’s ICT sector?
Kaduna has always been a centre of attraction for foreign direct investments. Over the years, investors have chosen Kaduna as the choice destination to invest into and the tech sector is no different. We’ve had interest from global tech giants as well as the local tech giants that have shown interest in Kaduna State.
