The Sokoto State Government (SOSG), through the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy (MIDE), participated in the Roundtable for ICT Commissioners and Heads of State ICT Agencies at the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibitions (DNICE 2025), an event aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth in Nigeria’s digital sector.
Representing the state, the Honourable Commissioner for MIDE, Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo, joined his counterparts from other states to deliberate on strategies for digital innovation, intergovernmental collaboration, and national ICT development. The roundtable brought together state ICT leaders, policymakers, innovators, and development partners to discuss harmonizing digital policies and strengthening coordination between federal and state initiatives.
The conference, themed “Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future: Accelerating Growth, Inclusion, and Global Competitiveness,” provided a platform for discussions on advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.
Sokoto State’s participation highlighted its commitment to these national objectives. The state is the first under the administration of Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto to establish a Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy, modeled after the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. A bill was recently approved and assented to by the Governor for the creation of the Sokoto Information and Communications Technology Development Agency, similar to NITDA, to further drive ICT development and innovation in the state.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of NITDA, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa, stated that the main priority of the conference is to reform the economy, deliver sustained inclusive growth, and accelerate diversification through digitisation and innovation.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, urged participants from government, academia, the private sector, and development partners to leverage the platform to deepen collaboration and generate actionable outcomes aimed at advancing the digital economy.
In his special address, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, described digital innovation as the catalyst for national transformation, officially declared the event open, and wished all participants productive deliberations while expressing optimism about the transformative outcomes expected from the engagement.
The event was organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
Muhammad Abubakar
Head of Digital Media and Communications
12th November, 2025
