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By Nana Theresa Timothy
Nasarawa Digital Economy Chief Earns Global Data Leadership Recognition
The Director General of the Nasarawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (NASITDEA), Haruna Sani Sani, has been conferred with the prestigious title of Chief Data Officer Ambassador (CDOA) and inducted as a Fellow of the Institute of Information Management (FIIM).
RELATED: Governor Sule wins IEEE and ATCON awards for advancing digital governance in Nasarawa
The dual honours were formally conferred in Abuja on November 12, 2022, recognising Sani’s leadership, expertise, and growing influence in data management and digital economy development at the sub-national level.
Announcing the recognition in a public statement, Sani described the honour as both humbling and motivating.
“I am honoured and delighted to be confirmed and appointed as Chief Data Officer Ambassador for my organisation and also inducted as a Fellow of the Institute of Information Management (IIM), Africa,” he said.
MIT-Led Global Programme Promotes Data Leadership
Sani acknowledged the role of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Chief Data Officer and Information Quality (MIT CDOIQ) community and its partners in driving global data leadership.
The MIT CDOIQ Ambassador Programme, founded by the MIT CDOIQ Symposium, the International Society of Chief Data Officers, and CDO Magazine USA, is designed to mobilise and educate data leaders across countries and industries.
The initiative focuses on building a global network of Chief Data Officers and data professionals who promote data literacy, governance, certification, best practices, and professional collaboration.
According to organisers, the programme brings together data evangelists, senior executives, policy leaders, and technologists to strengthen the global data management ecosystem.
Recognition Reflects NASITDEA’s Data-Driven Vision
Sani’s conferment as a Chief Data Officer Ambassador reflects his achievements and leadership in advancing data governance, digital transformation, and institutional capacity within NASITDEA.
Industry observers say the recognition places Nasarawa State on the global data leadership map, reinforcing its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most digitally progressive sub-national governments.
Governor Sule’s Digital Economy Agenda Commended
The NASITDEA Director-General credited Governor Abdullahi Sule for providing the political support and policy direction that enabled the agency’s achievements.
He noted that Nasarawa State has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most e-ready digital economy states, driven by strong coordination between NASITDEA and the state’s Bureau for Information and Communication Technology.
According to Sani, these efforts have aligned with the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS 2019–2023), positioning the state among Nigeria’s leading destinations for ease of doing business.
Support from NCC and National Institutions
Sani also acknowledged the support of national institutions, particularly the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), thanking the Director of Digital Economy, Dr. Nwaulune Augustine, for sustained encouragement toward advancing Nasarawa’s digital agenda.
Nasarawa’s Digital Economy Drive (2025–2026 Outlook)
As of early 2026, Nasarawa State continues to deepen its digital transformation through NASITDEA, with a strong focus on data management, inclusion, and skills development.
Key Digital Economy Initiatives Include:
- Institutional Framework: NASITDEA serves as the central driver of ICT adoption and digital ecosystem development in the state.
- Digital Governance & Inclusion: Deployment of a digital social register to enhance transparency in welfare delivery and citizen engagement.
- Workforce Development: Continuous training of civil servants, including a four-day digital orientation programme in January 2026, to improve service delivery.
- Women and Youth Empowerment: Launch of the “Empower Her” digital and financial inclusion programme.
- Digital Infrastructure: Establishment of the Renewed Hope Digital Learning Centre and collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to strengthen data systems.
The state is also encouraging private sector participation in e-health, digital services, and innovation, with the goal of building a technology-driven, sustainable economy.
Positioning Nasarawa as a Data-Driven State
With international recognition for its digital leadership and expanding local initiatives, Nasarawa State is positioning itself as a model for data-led governance and sub-national digital economy development in Nigeria.
Observers say Sani’s appointment as an MIT Chief Data Officer Ambassador reinforces the state’s ambition to leverage data, technology, and innovation as engines of inclusive growth.
