The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Benue State Government have partnered to enhance digital literacy across the state, targeting 70% inclusion by 2027. The collaboration aims to implement the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) and advance the state’s “One-Student-One-Digital Skill-One-Computer” initiative.
A stakeholders’ meeting held on Thursday at Eyah’s Hotel in Makurdi, with the theme, “Creating Opportunities, Breaking Boundaries Towards Digitization and Entrepreneurial Evolution,” highlighted the collaborative efforts between NITDA and the Benue State Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy. The initiative aims to provide learners with essential digital tools and skills to unlock economic opportunities.
According to Terwase Gbande, Managing Director of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), the state is already implementing the program with support from NITDA. He disclosed that the partnership involves developing a framework for domesticating the national digital literacy framework and supporting the government’s initiative, adding that BDIC plans to establish digital hubs in all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in phases, starting with 15 LGAs.
Earlier in a remark NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi represented by Lawrence Dirisu emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure and innovation hubs in driving economic growth. He noted that the digital economy contributed 17.89% to Nigeria’s GDP in in the first quarter of 2024.
He highlighted the significance of innovation hubs, accessible funding, and supportive regulations in fostering entrepreneurship, explaining that, one of the key objectives of their 2024-2027 program is to promote digital literacy, which involves developing a framework in collaboration with key stakeholders.
According to him, the implementation stage has been reached, attributing it to a memorandum of understanding with the Benue State Government through the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company. Dirisu commended Benue State Government for the significant progress in the digital ecosystem, saying NITDA is impressed with the commitment of BDIC
On his part, Hon. Kennedy Angbo, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Digital Economy, assured legislative backing for the initiative, with a bill expected to be laid before the House in two weeks. “House is on the threshold of passing a law to strengthen BDIC. We are ready to support the state in becoming a digital hub”. He called on the people of the state to venture into ICT and acquire other skills for personal development and the state’s overall growth.
Also speaking, Mrs. Ngufan Finbarr, Covering Permanent Secretary of the Benue State Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, welcomed stakeholders to the crucial engagement facilitated by the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC). According to her, BDIC was established in 2024 to spearhead ICT investment, digital access, and innovation in the state. She listed giant strides of BDIC to include: Deployment of multiple digital platforms, Fibre-optic cable laying, Training 4,800 civil servants, with plans to reach 40,000 in two years, among others
A former Minister of State for Education, Professor Nicholas Ada, expressed concern over the limited reach of ICT programs in rural areas during a panel discussion on digital literacy and skills development. He lamented the significant gap between policy formulation and implementation, noting that well-crafted policies often fail to translate into tangible outcomes in rural communities. According to him, the benefits of these initiatives tend to be concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural areas underserved.
