Kano State Government has said preparation to digitalise activities of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) is at an advanced stage. It also disclosed moves to establish a data centre that will facilitate Internet penetration across major settlements in the state.
The Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mohammed Othman, disclosed this at the opening of the 11th National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) meeting in Kano.
Othman hinted of plans to fully adopt e-governance and e-economy to maximise digital development in Kano, adding that his ministry was committed to collaborating with development partners to achieve the objective.
According to him, the ministry has secured N4 billion budgetary allocation to advance technology and innovation across all sectors of the Kano economy.
Declaring the event open, Othman noted the importance of leveraging the digital landscape to achieve sustainable development, economic growth and improved living standards for Nigerians.
“The outcomes of this meeting will not only influence policies and strategies, but will also impact the lives of millions of Nigerians, who rely on these sectors for their livelihood and well-being,” he said.
The commissioner further thanked Governor Abba Yusuf for his support for the event, while appreciating the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and his team for their collaboration and dedication in making the event possible.
Director in the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Margaret Ebute, explained: “The NCCIDE is a forum where all commissioners of Information and Communication technology (ICT) and Digital Economy in Nigeria meet yearly to discuss the progress, challenges and emerging trends in the sector and ensure that necessary advice is given for the overall development of the sector and the country in general.
“In Nigeria, communications and the digital economy has continued to play a major role in developing the economy. I have no doubt that this meeting will consolidate its role and provide the necessary pathway to policies that will deepen and sustain the achievements recorded so far in the sector.”