Niger Plans Broad Tech Collaboration to Strengthen Digital Infrastructure

The Niger State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (NSITDEA) says it will pursue strategic partnerships to strengthen the state’s digital economy and accelerate technology-driven development.

The Director-General of the agency, Suleiman Isah, disclosed this in an interview in Minna on Monday.

He said building a strong digital economy requires significant investment, noting that government alone cannot provide the resources needed to achieve its goals.

According to him, sustained collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders is essential to delivering the agency’s mandate.

Isah identified key partnership areas to include infrastructure development, digital skills and talent training, innovation and startup support, collaboration with federal agencies and engagement with research and emerging technology institutions.

Other focus areas, he said, include cybersecurity and data protection, partnerships with development organisations and donors and private capital investment.

He explained that these partnerships would support broadband expansion, cloud infrastructure development, digital identity systems, cybersecurity enhancement, skills acquisition, innovation and automation of public-sector services.

Isah commended Governor Umaru Bago for establishing NSITDEA, noting that it has provided a stronger institutional framework for driving digital transformation in the state.

He said the agency’s creation has improved stability, accountability, and operational efficiency compared to its previous structure under a ministry.

The director-general expressed confidence that NSITDEA would become a model for digital transformation among sub-national governments in Nigeria.