The Sokoto State Government (SOSG), through the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Economy (MIDE), has reaffirmed its readiness for the implementation of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and the Draft Technical Standards for the Nigeria Data Exchange (NGDX).
This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo, during the Public Review of the Draft DPI Life Events Framework and the Draft Technical Standards for NGDX, held at the Digital Economy Complex, NCC Building, Mbora, Abuja, under the theme “Advancing Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure through Standards, Data Exchange, and e-Government Transformation.”
Hon. Kwabo described the documents as well-structured and technically sound, with clear implementation standpoints. He, however, cautioned that seamless adoption across Nigeria’s 774 local governments may face challenges unless issues of accessibility, inclusivity, cybersecurity, governance, and capacity building are deliberately addressed.
He noted that peculiar challenges across the country include limited ICT infrastructure resulting from unstable electricity supply and weak broadband penetration, shortage of skilled ICT professionals, financial constraints due to competing priorities, and relatively low NIN coverage in rural and displaced communities.
The Commissioner therefore recommended deliberate strategies such as prioritising rural inclusion, developing agricultural DPI use cases across wards, strengthening state-federal policy integration, enhancing data protection and user trust, and mobilising resources through public-private partnerships and donor support.
Reaffirming Sokoto’s readiness, Hon. Bashar cited the recent passage of the Sokoto State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (SICTDA) Law, which establishes a strong policy foundation for ICT development in the state. He also referenced Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto’s recent approval for the recruitment of 3,000 personnel, many of whom will support ICT-driven initiatives across ministries, departments, and agencies.
“The Sokoto State Government is fully aligned with the national DPI vision and will continue to work closely with the Federal Government, the Nigeria Governors Forum, and development partners to ensure a successful rollout that leaves no community behind,” he assured.
Muhammad Abubakar
18-09-2025
