The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, working with the Plateau State Government, has opened the 13th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in Jos with a strong call to close gaps between connected and underserved communities, support innovation, empower young people and strengthen the national digital economy through sustainable strategies. The proposals under review at the meeting focus on sustainability, job creation and mandatory training to deepen Nigeria’s digital economy.
The five-day meeting is taking place at Crispan Suites and Event Centre in Jos and brings together federal and state officials, regulators and industry leaders. The theme, Accelerating Inclusive Digital Transformation: Bridging Gaps and Fostering Sustainable Growth Through Innovation, sets the tone for discussions on how to improve Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Welcoming delegates, the Permanent Secretary of the Plateau State Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Lamba Peter Bot, said Plateau State was proud to host the gathering. He described the meeting as “a renewed commitment to shaping Nigeria’s future through technology and inclusive digital progress.” He added that the theme serves as a call to action, urging participants to close digital gaps, empower young people and strengthen the digital economy using sustainable approaches.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry, Nadungu Gagare, said the theme reflected an urgent need to push inclusive digital transformation across the country. He explained that technology now drives major sectors and must be deliberately used to guide Nigeria’s economic direction. He stressed that bridging digital gaps remained central to the Ministry’s work, noting the importance of broadband expansion, digital literacy and regulatory systems that protect citizens while allowing innovation. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting startups, improving e-government services and positioning Nigeria as a strong hub for digital services.
Declaring the technical session open on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Cletus Bako Shurkuk, welcomed participants and highlighted the need to ensure fair access to digital opportunities. He said Plateau State was committed to strengthening innovation, supporting startups and partnering with global organisations to build inclusive digital solutions.
The Director-General of PICTDA, Datong Dominic Gwanman, said hosting the council showed the state’s dedication to digital progress. He noted that PICTDA had already digitised school management processes and was expanding data-driven systems across sectors to support development.
The Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Abba Guguwa, said the meeting would help produce strong memoranda to guide institutional reforms and boost national development. Dr Garba Gandu of NERDC said the meeting aimed to equip Nigeria with the frameworks needed to stay competitive in a fast-changing technological world and stressed the need for digital skills, global standards and targeted training.
Gagare ended the session with a review of memoranda on expanding rural telecommunications and improving data privacy, saying the proposals focused on sustainability and job creation.
