The Sokoto State Government (SOSG), through the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy (MIDE), participated in the Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) Peer Learning Event on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Readiness Indices, held from 30th June to 1st July 2025 in Abuja.
The two-day event brought together key decision makers from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to officially launch the DPI and Intelligent Revenue Authority (IRA) Readiness Indices. These frameworks assess and guide states in adopting digital identity systems, electronic payments, data exchange platforms, and other technologies for improved public service delivery.
The State was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo, alongside Dr Abdulaziz Shehu, Director Digital Economy, Literacy, Capacity Building and Innovation of the Ministry and other government officials. Mr Kwabo highlighted Sokoto’s recent achievements including the passage of the Sokoto Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (SICTDA) Bill, digital skills training programmes, and ongoing automation of government services.
During the forum, states such as Lagos, Kaduna, Ogun, and Ekiti showcased their progress in digital integration and revenue platforms. The forum acknowledged widespread challenges including poor broadband infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and funding constraints that hinder nationwide digital infrastructure scalability.
As part of the resolutions, the forum emphasized the need for strong political leadership, stakeholder engagement, and innovative financing mechanisms to drive DPI adoption. The forum called for institutionalization of DPI assessments, state-level digital policies, and collaboration with federal agencies. Enactment of supportive laws on data protection, cybersecurity, and digital service delivery was also encouraged.
Sokoto State’s participation reflects Governor Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s administration commitment to making technology a central pillar of governance, transparency, and inclusive development across the state.
Muhammad Abubakar
2nd July, 2025
