NITDA assures Gombe State of improved collaboration on activating digital literacy initiatives

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency pledges an enhanced partnership with the Gombe State Government of Nigeria on digital literacy programmes towards strengthning the e-governance initiatives, administrative efficiency, and service delivery to citizens of the state

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In a significant development for the advancement of technology and governance in Nigeria, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has assured Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State of an enhanced collaboration in various digital initiatives in the state.

Inuwa gave the pledge during the Governor Yahaya’s visit to NITDA’s Headquarters in Abuja, FCT, where both leaders engaged in discussions focusing on expanding the existing partnership between NITDA and Gombe State.

ConsumerConnect reports that Gombe State is noted for its skilled manpower, as it also currently holds the prestigious title of the “Best State in Ease of Doing Business” in the West African country.

The Nigerian Information Technology (IT) regulatory agency in a statement issued via its verified X (formerly Twitter) account Wednesday, November 15, 2023, said that talks between Inuwa and Yahaya primarily, centered on enhancing digital literacy programmes and fortifying e-governance initiatives in the state, with the shared goal of improving administrative efficiency and elevating service delivery to the citizens.

Inuwa also expressed NITDA’s commitment to supporting Gombe State’s ambitious agenda to automate all government operations in the state.

He equally  emphasised the agency’s dedication to providing technical expertise, resources, and guidance to ensure the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies across various sectors in the state.

NITDA stated: “This meeting gains significance as it follows Gombe State’s recent acknowledgment as the ‘Most Digitally Compliant State’ at the Digital Nigeria International Conference Dinner and Awards 2023, by NITDA.

“The discussions further delved into the specific areas of capacity building, digital literacy with plans to intensify efforts in establishing the State IT Agency that will provide the youths and women of Gombe with essential digital skills through a comprehensive training programme.”

The statement further disclosed that under the leadership of Governor Yahaya, Gombe State had set an ambitious objective to automate all government operations within the next four years, aligning with the broader national agenda for a more digitally inclined governance structure.

The potential collaboration with NITDA is poised to further fortify this standing, facilitating the infusion of cutting-edge technology across various sectors and ensuring Gombe continues to lead the charge in the country’s digital transformation, stated the agency.

NITDA said: “As both parties look forward to solidifying this collaboration, the assurance from NITDA’s Director-General signifies the Agency’s continued commitment to fostering technological advancements and promoting digital literacy, ultimately contributing to the overall development of Gombe State and setting a precedent for similar collaborations across Nigeria.”