About
Us

01
The Story

Who we are

The Ministry of Communication Technology and Digital Economy (MCT&DE) in Niger State, Nigeria.

Under the visionary leadership of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, our newly established ministry is committed to promoting universal, accessible, and cost-effective access to communications infrastructure.

We are dedicated to leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for digital content creation, software applications, and efficient service delivery, with a focus on driving transparency in governance and formulating policies for a digitalised economy.

In line with our mission to drive Niger State’s technological progress through accessible communications infrastructure and strategic use of ICT, our vision is to create a digitally advanced State, fostering innovation and inclusive growth. We aim to seamlessly connect citizens, driving progress in the digital landscape and empowering participation in the digital economy.

02
Direction & Focus

Our Mandates

Facilitate Universal, Ubiquitous, and Cost-Effective Access to Communications Infrastructure:

  • Establishing a comprehensive plan for the deployment of broadband infrastructure throughout rural and urban areas of the State, ensuring that underserved communities have access to high-speed internet connectivity.
  • Partnering with telecommunications companies to implement community network projects, where local communities are involved in building and maintaining their own telecommunications infrastructure, thus reducing costs and increasing accessibility.
  • Offering incentives or subsidies to internet service providers to encourage them to extend their networks to remote and underserved areas, thereby reducing the cost of access for residents.
  • Implementing policies to streamline the process of obtaining permits and rights-of-way for the installation of telecommunications infrastructure, reducing administrative barriers and costs for companies looking to expand their networks.
  • Investing in the development of alternative technologies such as satellite internet or wireless mesh networks to provide connectivity in areas where traditional infrastructure deployment is not feasible or cost-effective.
  • Launching public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of digital connectivity and how they can access available services, including training programs to improve digital literacy skills among the population.
 
  • Planning
  • Collaborations
  • Engagement
  • Formulation
  • Incentivising

Promote the Utilisation of ICT in all Spheres of Life:

  • Introducing ICT integration programs in educational institutions at all levels, including schools, colleges, and universities, to equip students and educators with digital skills and resources necessary for modern learning and teaching methods.
  • Launching e-government initiatives to digitize government services and processes, allowing citizens to access information and interact with government agencies online, thereby increasing efficiency and transparency in governance.
  • Collaborating with healthcare providers to implement telemedicine solutions, enabling remote consultations, medical diagnoses, and patient monitoring, particularly in underserved rural areas where access to healthcare facilities is limited.
  • Supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs in adopting digital technologies such as e-commerce platforms, digital marketing strategies, and cloud-based business tools to enhance their competitiveness and productivity in the digital economy.
  • Implementing smart city initiatives to integrate ICT into urban infrastructure and services, including smart transportation systems, energy management solutions, and digital citizen engagement platforms, to improve quality of life and sustainability in urban areas.
  • Providing training and capacity-building programs for government officials, professionals, and community leaders to enhance their ICT literacy and proficiency, empowering them to leverage digital tools and platforms for various purposes, including communication, collaboration, and decision-making.
  • Encouraging the development and adoption of open-source software solutions and digital content creation tools to foster innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among local developers, content creators, and researchers.
  • Facilitating partnerships between ICT companies, research institutions, and civil society organizations to develop and implement ICT-enabled solutions for addressing social and environmental challenges, such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and healthcare access.
  • Ease
  • Accessible
  • Supportive
  • Smart
  • Development

Leveraging Digital Technologies for the State’s Economic Development

  • Launching digital skills training programs aimed at equipping the workforce with in-demand digital skills such as coding, data analytics, and digital marketing, to meet the needs of emerging industries and attract investment.
  • Establishing innovation hubs or technology parks where startups, entrepreneurs, and researchers can collaborate, access resources, and receive mentorship and support to develop and commercialize innovative digital solutions.
  • Promoting the adoption of digital payment systems and fintech solutions to improve financial inclusion, facilitate online transactions, and boost economic activity, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
  • Encouraging the development and adoption of e-commerce platforms and digital marketplaces to enable local businesses to reach wider markets, increase sales, and expand their customer base beyond traditional geographic boundaries.
  • Facilitating public-private partnerships to invest in digital infrastructure projects such as broadband expansion, fiber optic networks, and smart city initiatives, to create an enabling environment for digital innovation and economic growth.
  • Supporting digital entrepreneurship by providing access to funding, incubation, and mentorship programs for aspiring entrepreneurs and startups, to help them develop and scale their digital business ideas and ventures.
  • Promoting the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT) to drive efficiency, productivity, and innovation across key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation.
  • Collaborating with educational institutions and industry stakeholders to develop industry-relevant curriculum and training programs focused on digital technologies and entrepreneurship, to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.
  • Establishing digital innovation funds or grant programs to provide financial support to startups, innovators, and researchers working on high-impact digital projects with the potential to drive economic development and create jobs in the state.
 
 
  • Skilling
  • Innovation
  • Inclusion
  • Expansion
  • Investment

Additional Mandates

    1. Develop the ICT Industry and Increase its Contribution to GDP: We foster the growth and development of the ICT industry through strategic policies and initiatives, encouraging innovation and research to enhance its contribution to the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
    2. Drive Transparency in Governance and Public Service Delivery: Utilising ICT tools and platforms, we promote transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in governance and public service delivery, enhancing e-governance practices for seamless and citizen-centric services.
    3. Formulate Policies for a Digitalized Economy: We develop comprehensive policies and frameworks to facilitate the transformation of Nigeria’s economy into a digitalized and knowledge-driven one, identifying opportunities and addressing challenges in adopting digital technologies for economic growth and sustainability.
    4. Collaborate with Relevant Stakeholders for Digital Literacy, Inclusion, and Innovation: We engage with civil society organisations, development partners, media, and religious leaders to promote digital literacy and awareness among citizens, advocating for inclusivity and innovation to ensure all segments of society benefit from and contribute to the digital economy.
    5. Monitoring and Evaluating the Effectiveness of Digital Economy Policies: We implement a robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism to assess the impact of digital economy policies and strategies, identifying areas for improvement and refining policies to achieve maximum results and impact.
    6. Carry out all and any other functions as may be directed by the Governor of the State.
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