The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in collaboration with the Plateau State Government, has opened the 13th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE).
The five-day event is taking place at Crispan Suites and Event Centre in Jos.
The meeting, themed “Accelerating Inclusive Digital Transformation: Bridging Gaps and Fostering Sustainable Growth Through Innovation,” brings together federal and state officials, regulators and industry leaders to discuss priorities for strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Welcoming delegates, the Permanent Secretary of the Plateau State Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Lamba Peter Bot, said Plateau State was honoured to host the council meeting.
He described the gathering as a renewed commitment to shaping Nigeria’s future through technology and inclusive digital progress.
He said the theme was a call to action, urging participants to address gaps between connected and underserved communities, support innovation, empower young people and strengthen the nation’s digital economy through sustainable strategies.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry, Nadungu Gagare, said the theme reflected the pressing need to accelerate inclusive digital transformation nationwide.
He noted that technology now drives key sectors and must be deliberately harnessed to shape Nigeria’s economic trajectory.
He stressed that bridging digital gaps remains central to the Ministry’s mandate, highlighting the importance of broadband expansion, digital literacy and sound regulatory frameworks that safeguard citizens while enabling innovation.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting startups, promoting e-government and positioning Nigeria as a competitive 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 emphasised the importance of ensuring equitable access to digital opportunities.
He said Plateau State remains committed to strengthening innovation, supporting startups and partnering with global organisations to build inclusive digital solutions.
The Director-General of PICTDA, Dr Datong Dominic Gwanman, said hosting the council reflected the state’s strong support for digital advancement.
He noted that PICTDA had already digitised school management processes and was expanding data-driven solutions across sectors to support inclusive development.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Abba Guguwa, said the programme would help develop comprehensive memoranda to guide institutional reforms and accelerate national development.
Dr Garba Gandu, Senior Technical Adviser to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, said the meeting sought to equip Nigeria with the frameworks needed to compete in a fast-changing technological era.
He underscored the importance of digital skills, global best practices and targeted upskilling.
Gagare concluded the session with a review of memoranda on expanding rural telecommunications and strengthening data privacy. The proposals, he said, focused on sustainability, job creation and mandatory training aimed at deepening Nigeria’s digital economy.
