The Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy (MIDE) has inspected its recently acquired office complex, which will serve as the permanent headquarters for both the Ministry and the ICT Directorate. The building, procured by the Sokoto State Government, will be restructured into a smart workspace equipped with advanced digital infrastructure and energy-efficient systems to promote innovation and enhance public service delivery.
The inspection was led by Murtala Nuhu, Director ICT at the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy (MIDE), who is also the Chairman of the Ministry’s Capital Projects Committee. The committee, which was constituted by the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo, was tasked with evaluating all capital projects under the Ministry’s supervision and recommending a way forward to ensure proper utilization of the capital estimates for the Ministry in the 2025 approved appropriations.
During the visit, the team assessed the building’s current condition and is expected to submit a detailed report recommending the necessary steps for restructuring and upgrading the facility in preparation for full takeoff.
Furthermore, the team visited the State Civil Service Commission (CSC) to review the computerization project, a digital transformation effort initiated by the Wamakko-led administrations. The Ministry is exploring the best approach to resume and complete such an important project.
These efforts align with Governor Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s digital transformation agenda. It could be recalled that the state government recently sponsored local techpreneurs to attend the 2nd Tokyo International Conference on AI New Technologies and ORGATEC Tokyo 2025, one of Asia-Pacific’s premier trade fairs for modern workspaces and digital infrastructure.
The Governor has also established the AI Advisory Council and sponsored the bill for the passage of the Sokoto Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (SICTDA) Act to leverage emerging technologies for improved governance.
The inspection was attended by committee members and senior Ministry officials, including Sada Ibrahim Sokoto, the Director Administration; Prof. Abdulaziz, Director, Digital Economy, Literacy, Capacity Building & Innovation; Dr. Anas Tukur Balarabe, Director, Cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure. Also in attendance were representatives Faruk Attahiru Jabo, Head of Unit, External Projects and Interventions; and Muhammad Abubakar, Head of Unit, Digital Media and Communications both at the ICT Directorate respectively.
Muhammad Abubakar
7 June 2025
