In Nigeria today, it can be argued that few have fully risen to the challenge of leading digital transformation in governance at the sub-national level like Suleiman Isah, the Honorable Commissioner for Communication Technology and Economics digital technology of the State of Niger.

Appointed in August 2023, Isah’s role is to develop a comprehensive digital transformation strategy to leverage technology to streamline government processes, improve service delivery and drive economic growth.

With such a task assigned to him, we decided to sit down with the man, Suleiman Isah, to hear from the horse’s mouth his vision for Niger State as well as his contributions to digital governance beyond Niger State.

It has been a little over a year since your appointment as Honorable Commissioner for Communication Technology and Digital Economy of Niger State. How has the journey been so far?

This journey has certainly had its share of challenges, especially since I am the pioneer commissioner of the ministry. Building a ministry from the ground up faces a unique set of obstacles, particularly in creating structures, frameworks, and processes that did not previously exist. We basically had to lay the groundwork while making progress on several fronts. This is like guiding a toddler in learning to walk: slow, steady and sometimes uncertain, but each step forward leads to progress. Despite the challenges, my team and I have maintained a clear direction and vision for the digital transformation of Niger State. With strong determination and determination, we are gradually moving towards the digital transformation of the state.

What experiences do you think prepared you for your current role?

Several experiences in my career have equipped me for this role. On the one hand, working outside Niger State exposed me to a broader perspective, allowing me to consider possibilities beyond current local realities. My decade-long tenure at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) helped me understand how the civil service operates nationally, providing me with the skills to effectively navigate government institutions. Additionally, my time at the Niger State Revenue Service gave me first-hand experience of local civil service, which was invaluable in helping me adapt to state-level governance .

Another crucial experience took place during the 2023 election campaigns, where I established a contact center that engaged communities from all 274 wards of Niger State. This role has given me a deep understanding of the state’s vast geography and demographic diversity. This has given me insight into the unique challenges facing different parts of the state, which now inform the tailored strategies we are implementing in our digital agenda.

When you were appointed, what was your roadmap for Niger State, and where are you currently in terms of progress?

My vision for Niger State has always revolved around promoting sustainable digital transformation. My goal is to create a landscape that would not only produce immediate results, but also stand the test of time, beyond my tenure. To make this happen, I have focused on strong private sector involvement in all our initiatives. This ensures that projects are not only dependent on government, but also able to thrive autonomously and adapt to any changes in administration.

In terms of progress, we have made significant progress. One of our main objectives has been education and capacity building. We started training different audiences: children aged 10 to 18 were introduced to robotics, programming and the Internet of Things (IoT). We have also empowered over 2,000 traders and artisans with digital skills, enabling them to better navigate the digital economy. In addition, civil servants, permanent secretaries, special advisers and journalists have also benefited from our training initiatives.

Furthermore, we have embarked on an ambitious project to install a metropolitan fiber optic network around Minna, the state capital. This high-speed internet infrastructure will boost broadband penetration, which in turn can drive the growth of startups and technology companies. The fiber optic ring will be a vital part of our digital economy, enabling businesses and individuals to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

No man or state is an island; Have there been any partnerships shaping the digital landscape of Niger State?

Absolutely! Partnerships have been the cornerstone of our approach. One of our most valuable collaborators has been the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Through their Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Program (NJFP), they have provided us with 100 graduate interns, whose salaries are fully covered by UNDP. This has been an important support in increasing our membership, and we hope that this number will increase soon.

We are also working with UNDP to convert the Abdulsalam Youth Center into MakerSpace, a hardware-focused innovation hub. This will provide opportunities for young people to engage in technological innovations, particularly in hardware manufacturing, thereby helping to diversify the economy of Niger State.

Additionally, Tech4Dev, a non-profit organization, has partnered with us to train civil servants and young people in digital and ICT literacy. The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has also been instrumental through its Department of Digital Economy, providing training to our youths and collaborating on future projects aimed at advancing our digital goals.

What role does the private sector play in the digital economy of Niger State?

The private sector has played a central role in driving our digital economy. We have adopted a model that facilitates the entry of private operators into the technological ecosystem of Niger State. For example, the ongoing Metropolitan Fiber Ring project in Minna is managed by a private company. We waived crossing fees to prioritize long-term benefits to the state over immediate revenue. By allowing private companies to lead such initiatives, we minimize bureaucratic delays and ensure that these projects can thrive long after our administration leaves office.

Any technology company interested in setting up in the state can contact us and we will perform the cost-benefit analysis for our collaborators. If this favors the population, we will provide the necessary support, non-monetary of course.

Could you expand on some contributions from the private sector?

Zenith Bank, for example, made a significant contribution by donating the building that currently houses our ministry and the Minna ICT Centre, which serves as a hub for our various training programs. BrowePoint, another private player, is deploying the metropolitan fiber ring in the capital and has committed to providing free Internet services for administrative procedures of higher education institutions within the network. Additionally, they manage our state-wide Wi-Fi system for markets, which will provide Internet access to merchants and artisans.

Alternative Bank is developing a state resident identification system for us, a key element in promoting a digital society. They are also investing in digital hubs to promote ICT activities among our young people.

Additionally, Tech4Dev provides free civil service training for the state, helping to build a digitally competent workforce. We are also in discussions with MTN to expand financial inclusion through their Momo service, aiming to recruit over 1,000 new agents in rural areas with limited access to banking services.

Where do you see Niger State’s digital economy in the next three years?

In the next three years, I imagine Niger State will become a hub for technology companies, where barriers to entry are virtually non-existent. By encouraging increased private sector participation, we aim to create an environment in which technological solutions can thrive, independent of government intervention. We aim to establish at least two Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centers, each with a capacity of 1,000 seats, creating high value-added jobs and contributing significantly to the state’s GDP.

Furthermore, we hope that the MakerSpace initiative will reach its full capacity, providing hardware solutions not only to Niger State but also to other regions. By then, we anticipate that our ongoing digital literacy programs will have allowed us to achieve the ambitious goal set by our governor: 75% digital literacy by 2027.

Who is Suleiman Isah apart from your role as commissioner?

Suleiman Isah is a simple person who remains deeply connected to his roots. Born and raised in Minna, I consider myself a local champion. I hold a Master’s degree in Information Security and Digital Forensics from the University of East London and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Informatics from Igbinedion University, Okada. I am a family man, married with children, and my passion for technology is reflected in my professional and personal life.

What are your interests, hobbies and values?

Although I’m not a huge soccer fan, I enjoy more unique hobbies like horseback riding and clay court shooting. I also have a deep interest in mentoring young people and speaking at events where I can share my experiences and ideas. My values ​​are deeply rooted in fairness and integrity. I firmly believe in the principle of karma and quid pro quo. I live by the philosophy that it is essential to give everyone their due, because if you favor one, you inevitably deny others what they deserve.

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