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By Nana Theresa Timothy, Elisha Chebwawaza Gideon and Raihanatu Saleh
Nigeria Charts Inclusive Digital Future at 13th National Council Meeting in Jos
Nigeria’s strategic path toward an inclusive digital economy was the central focus as the 13th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) concluded in Jos, Plateau State. Under the theme “Accelerating Inclusive Digital Transformation,” the five-day summit united federal and state policymakers, tech leaders, and traditional institutions to draft actionable policies aimed at bridging the nation’s digital divides.
RELATED: Nigeria charts digital future at 13th NCCIDE in Jos, focusing on inclusion and infrastructure
The gathering served as a critical platform to align national strategy with grassroots implementation, emphasizing that technological growth must benefit every Nigerian.
A Unified Call for Equity and Access
A powerful, recurring message throughout the summit was the urgent need for equitable access. Delivering the keynote on behalf of Minister Bosun Tijani, Permanent Secretary Engr. Nadungu Gagare set the tone, declaring, “The child in Shendam must have the same digital opportunity as the child in Victoria Island.”
He cautioned that a digital economy that excludes segments of the population would only widen existing disparities, framing inclusive technology access as a non-negotiable pillar of national development.
Plateau State: A Hub for National Digital Ambition – Pushes Digital Equity Agenda
Host state Plateau reinforced its commitment to being a key player in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. Represented by Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration outlined investments in digital skills, broadband expansion, and startup support.
The governor called for digital access, youth skills development, cybersecurity readiness, and startup support. Community leaders, including representatives of the Gbong Gwom Jos, emphasized partnerships between traditional institutions and the technology ecosystem in driving adoption across grassroots communities.
The state positioned itself as a proving ground for national policies, urging delegates to craft frameworks that boost local content, data protection, and digital governance. Prof. G.G. Dangata, representing traditional institutions, highlighted the essential role of collaboration with traditional leaders to drive technology adoption at the community level.
Council Deliberations: Targeting Core Challenges to Bridge the Digital Divide
Delegates engaged in technical sessions addressing the foundational elements of digital inclusion:
- Infrastructure: Expanding affordable broadband and last-mile connectivity.
- Skills: Enhancing digital literacy for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
- Governance: Deploying Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for transparent e-government services.
- Security & Trust: Strengthening cybersecurity and data protection frameworks.
- Innovation Ecosystem: Providing startup support, funding, and pathways to commercialize local solutions.
A consensus emerged that Nigeria possesses the human capital and market size to lead in Africa but must act decisively to connect its rural and underserved populations.
National Vision for Digital Inclusion
The meeting opened with rich cultural and official protocols, symbolising unity between government, innovators, and community institutions.
A keynote on behalf of the Honourable Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, was delivered by Permanent Secretary Engr. Nadungu Gagare, who emphasized that Nigeria’s digital transformation must be inclusive, equitable, and innovation-driven.
Key Takeaways from the Minister’s Address
- Inclusive Digital Growth: “A digital economy that grows without carrying everyone along will only widen disparities,” Gagare noted.
- Bridging Skill and Access Gaps: The ministry outlined ongoing broadband expansion, digital literacy initiatives, and innovation ecosystem strengthening.
- Innovation as Strategy: Innovation must move from rhetoric to action-oriented national development.
- Collaborative Governance: The Council was described as a forum for “collaborators, not spectators.”
- Equal Access for All: “The child in Shendam must have the same digital opportunity as the child in Victoria Island.”
- Digital literacy for youth, women, and vulnerable groups
- Strengthening digital public infrastructure
- Cybersecurity and data protection
- Startup growth, innovation commercialization, and funding
- Expanding e-government efficiency across states
Recognizing Innovation and Subnational Progress
The event also featured a startup pitch session, directly engaging innovators with policymakers—a step praised for aligning the ministry’s mandate with grassroots entrepreneurial energy.
Several states were honoured for outstanding achievements in digital transformation in a move to foster competitive federalism.. The council presented awards to states excelling in digital development:
- Zamfara State – Best in e-commerce development
- Enugu State – Best in digital infrastructure deployment
- Anambra State – Best in human capital development & overall top performer
A Concluding Mandate for Action
The summit closed with a strong call to translate dialogue into action. Delegates were urged to return to their states and implement resolutions that prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation.
The gathering reaffirmed that Nigeria’s digital future hinges on a collective commitment to ensuring that innovation truly serves all people, bridging the gaps between the connected and the unconnected to build a truly inclusive digital economy.
A closing message captured the spirit of the gathering:
“Innovation is not only about technology—it is about people, access, and the collective power to shape a better tomorrow.”
The 13th NCCIDE concluded with a united resolve to build a modern, inclusive, and innovation-driven Nigeria, ensuring that no community is left behind in the nation’s digital future.
