The Sokoto State House of Assembly (SOHA) has passed the bill for the establishment of the Sokoto Information and Communications Technology Development Agency (SICTDA), following its third reading on the floor of the Assembly.
The passage marks a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to digital transformation, innovation, and inclusive technological advancement. The bill, which was presented earlier as an executive bill by His Excellency, Governor Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, aims to provide a legal framework for driving ICT growth, improving digital infrastructure, and creating employment opportunities across the state.
The passage of the bill follows a recent public hearing convened by the Assembly’s Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by Honourable Awaisu M. Aliyu. The hearing brought together critical stakeholders and sector players to provide insight and feedback on the proposed agency.
At the engagement, the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy emphasized the importance of institutionalizing digital governance to sustain the state’s digital development agenda. The Ministry also highlighted the role of SICTDA in advancing e-governance, enhancing public service delivery, and supporting capacity-building in the ICT sector.
In his remarks, Honourable Awaisu Aliyu commended the Ministry for its foresight and assured that stakeholders’ contributions were instrumental in shaping the final provisions of the bill to align with Sokoto State’s long-term vision for a robust digital economy.
Other key participants at the hearing included representatives from the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Works, MTN Nigeria, the Nigeria Computer Society, and the Association of Computing Students, all of whom submitted oral and written contributions supporting the bill.
With the bill now passed, SICTDA is set to play a pivotal role in harnessing technology for socio-economic growth and positioning Sokoto State as a forward-looking hub of innovation in Nigeria.
Muhammad Abubakar
25 April 2025
