Niger State is taking a decisive step toward a more inclusive, secure, and digitally enabled future.
As part of the Niger State Digitisation Project, the Ministry of Communications Technology and Digital Economy convened a Policy Co-Creation Workshop under the State-level Inclusive Digital Transformation Project (SITEP). This workshop represents a deliberate shift from isolated policy design to a collaborative, whole-of-government and whole-of-ecosystem approach to digital transformation.
A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Digital Transformation
The workshop brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Participants included leaders from key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs)—such as Finance, Budget & Planning, Education, Health, Power & Renewable Energy, Works & Infrastructure, and Justice—alongside:
- Niger State IT & Digital Economy Agency
- Niger State Investment Promotion Agency
- State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)
- Regulatory bodies and service delivery institutions
- Security agencies
- Private sector players
- Civil society organisations
- Development partners
- Digital ecosystem stakeholders
This diverse participation underscores a critical principle: digital transformation is not a technology project—it is a governance and development priority that requires collective ownership.
From Policy Review to Co-Creation
The workshop was structured to move beyond discussion into actionable alignment. Participants worked together to:
- Review the current state of digital policies across the state
- Identify institutional, infrastructure, and coordination gaps
- Validate ongoing research to strengthen digital governance
- Define priority policy actions for implementation
Key thematic areas of focus included:
- Digital skills development
- Broadband and connectivity infrastructure
- Regulatory coordination and policy alignment
- Data protection and cybersecurity
- Digital public service delivery
All discussions were carefully aligned with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS 2020–2030) to ensure coherence with national priorities and avoid policy fragmentation.
SITEP and Strategic Partnerships
This engagement is part of the broader State-level Inclusive Digital Transformation Project (SITEP)—an initiative supported by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) under the Digital Access Programme, and implemented by Tech4Dev.
The initiative is being delivered with the approval and strategic backing of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Niger State, Umaru Mohammed Bago, reflecting a strong political will to accelerate digital transformation across the state.
Driving Toward Implementation
Importantly, this workshop is not an endpoint—it is a foundation for execution.
The outcomes will directly inform the development of the Niger State Digital Economy Policy Framework, which will:
- Establish a coherent digital governance structure
- Define clear institutional roles and coordination mechanisms
- Prioritise high-impact digital initiatives
- Provide a roadmap for inclusive and sustainable digital growth
A Shared Vision for Niger State
What distinguishes this effort is its emphasis on co-creation, inclusivity, and execution discipline. By bringing all critical stakeholders into the same room, Niger State is ensuring that its digital future is not only well-designed but also widely owned.
This is a collaborative step toward building a state where:
- Citizens can access efficient and transparent digital services
- Businesses can thrive in a digitally enabled economy
- Institutions are equipped to deliver with speed, security, and accountability
Niger State is not just planning for a digital future—it is building it, together.