EXECUTIVE NOTE: Redefining Nigeria’s Economic Future: Benue State and the Rise of the Digital Economy

By His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State

Let me begin by expressing my profound appreciation to the organizers—Knowhow Media, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa—for hosting this significant event and for recognizing the pivotal role of digital transformation in reshaping Nigeria’s economy.

RELATED: Benue State Gov Alia honored among Top 50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy

I am especially honored to be named among the “50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy” for 2025. This recognition is not just a personal milestone—it is a validation of our collective journey in Benue State to build a future driven by innovation, inclusion, and digital opportunity.

Nigeria’s Digital Economy – A National Imperative

Despite persistent economic and social headwinds, Nigeria is steadily carving out a competitive space in the global digital economy. Digital economy, as we know, encompasses all economic activities enabled by digital technologies—including e-commerce, digital payments, ICT infrastructure, and data services. According to recent reports, ICT contributed nearly 20% to Nigeria’s GDP in 2024—more than double the contribution of oil and gas. This trend underscores a fundamental truth: Nigeria’s future lies not just beneath the ground but in the cloud, in the code, and in the connectivity that links people and platforms.

Our country’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (2020–2030) offers a clear framework for leveraging digital transformation to foster inclusive economic growth. Inspired by this national roadmap, states like Benue are taking bold steps to localize digital innovation and unlock new possibilities for citizens.

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Benue State’s Digital Transformation Agenda

In Benue, we have made the digital economy a cornerstone of our development strategy. Upon assuming office, we embedded ICT and human capital development as one of the seven pillars of our administration. Our mission is clear: to position Benue as a leading subnational player in Nigeria’s digital future.

Let me briefly outline some of our flagship achievements:

Key Achievements in Benue State’s Digital Economy

1. Creation of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy: This is the policy nerve center of our digital efforts—tasked with aligning Benue’s digital journey with national and global ecosystems.
2. Establishment of the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC): BDIC is a public-sector vehicle driving digital infrastructure rollout, youth empowerment, e-governance, and innovation across sectors.
3. Launch of BENDISMEA: The Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Enforcement Agency coordinates, regulates, and enforces ICT service delivery for government and citizens—ushering in a new era of accountability and efficiency.
4. Digital Governance: We have digitized cabinet processes via the Benue State Executive Council Management System, introduced paperless meetings, and provided digital tools for senior officials.
5. Youth Empowerment & Skills Development: Over 10,000 youths have received digital skills training; 40,000 civil servants are currently being trained in digital governance, cybersecurity, and data protection.
6. Education & Inclusion: We have commenced pilot implementation of digital literacy and coding in 15 secondary schools. In partnership with DBI, we are connecting 23 digital hubs to train 23,000 youths annually across all LGAs.

More Key Achievements in Benue State’s Digital Economy

1. Women & Rural Economy Digitization: We have approved 276 e-commerce hubs—one in each ward—to support digital entrepreneurship for women and youth, helping to market Benue’s rich agricultural produce globally.
2. Digital Financial Services: BDIC has completed applications with CBN to launch digital payment systems and microfinance services—paving the way for financial inclusion across the state.
3. Optic Fibre & Internet Backbone: We are collaborating with Galaxy Backbone and Huawei Technologies to roll out broadband connectivity to 16 ministries, departments, and agencies. Licensing for broadband and ISP operations is in its final stage.
4. E-Government Solutions: Benue has deployed 16 bespoke e-governance platforms, including the Benue Geographic Information System (BENGIS), civil service and pension management systems, asset valuation, and digital health platforms.
5. Local Tech Manufacturing: We have launched BDIC-branded ICT devices (laptops, tablets, projectors), and are working towards establishing an ICT hardware assembly plant to serve the state and the broader region.
6. Digital Job Creation: Through BDIC, we’ve created over 60 direct jobs for software and hardware engineers, stimulating the growth of Benue’s local tech industry.

Redefining the Narrative Beyond Oil

Nigeria’s greatness will not be measured by the quantity of oil barrels it exports, but by how many youth it empowers through digital skills, how many rural communities it connects, and how inclusive its digital economy becomes.

In Benue State, we are investing in infrastructure, people, and institutions to drive this future. We believe that every Nigerian deserves a stake in the digital revolution.

A Call to Action

As we consolidate progress, we must also tackle emerging challenges—data privacy, cybersecurity, access, and inclusion. It is time for deeper collaboration between federal and subnational governments, the private sector, academia, and the startup community to scale what works and course-correct what doesn’t.

I urge all stakeholders present to continue advocating for smart policy frameworks, inclusive innovation, and investments that prioritize long-term impact. Together, we can shape a digital economy that serves every Nigerian—regardless of their location, background, or economic status.

In Conclusion

Benue State is proud to be a frontline participant in Nigeria’s unfolding digital economy. We will not relent. We will continue to build, to innovate, and to empower.

Congratulations to all my fellow honorees. I accept this honor not as an individual, but on behalf of the great people of Benue State. Together, we move Nigeria forward—digitally and inclusively.

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Thank you and God bless.

Keynote Address delivered by His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State at the 2025 Edition of the “50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy” Thursday, May 22, 2025 | The Colossus, Ikeja, Lagos.