Not many people in Nigeria today have fully embraced the challenge of leading digital transformation in governance at the sub-national level, such as Suleiman Isah, Honorable Commissioner for Communications Technology and Digital Economy in Niger State. It’s no exaggeration to say that.
Appointed in August 2023, Isah’s role includes developing a comprehensive digital transformation strategy to leverage technology to streamline government processes, improve service delivery, and drive economic growth. Masu.
With such a mandate upon him, we sat down with a man named Suleiman Issa to learn from the horse’s mouth about his vision for Niger State and his contribution to digital governance beyond Niger State. I decided to listen.
It has been just over a year since you were appointed Honorable Commissioner for Communications Technology and Digital Economy in Niger State. How has your journey been so far?
This journey has certainly had its challenges, especially as I am the pioneering Secretary of the Department. Building a ministry from scratch comes with a unique set of obstacles, especially when creating structures, frameworks, and processes that didn’t exist before. We essentially had to lay the foundation while moving forward on multiple fronts at the same time. It’s similar to guiding a toddler learning to walk. Slow and steady, sometimes uncertain, but with each step forward you will see progress. Despite the challenges, my team and I have maintained a clear focus and vision for the digital transformation of Niger State. With strong resolve and determination, we are steadily moving towards digital national transformation.
What experiences do you think prepared you for your current role?
Several experiences from my career make me well-suited for this role. First, working outside Niger State gave me a broader perspective and allowed me to envision possibilities beyond my current local reality. Ten years of service at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) gave me an understanding of how public services operate on a national scale and gave me the skills needed to operate government agencies effectively. I was able to do that. Additionally, my service at the Niger State Internal Revenue Service provided me with first-hand experience in local public services, which was invaluable in helping me adapt to state-level governance.
Another important experience was during the 2023 election campaign. So I established a contact center that would engage communities in all 274 wards of Niger State. This role gave me a deep understanding of the state’s vast geography and diverse demographics. This gave us insight into the unique challenges faced by different regions of the state and informed the customized strategies we are implementing with our digital agenda.
At the time of your appointment, what was the roadmap for Niger State and where is it currently in terms of progress?
My vision for Niger State has always revolved around fostering sustainable digital transformation. My goal is to create landscapes that not only provide immediate results, but also stand the test of time, beyond my tenure. To achieve this, I have emphasized strong private sector involvement in all our efforts. This allows projects to grow autonomously and adapt to changes in government, rather than just being dependent on the government.
In terms of progress, we have come a long way. One of our main focuses is education and development. We have started training for different demographics. We introduced kids ages 10 to 18 to robotics, programming, and the Internet of Things (IoT). We have also given digital literacy skills to over 2,000 market traders and artisans, enabling them to better navigate the digital economy. Additionally, civil servants, permanent secretaries, special advisers and journalists also benefit from our training initiatives.
We have also embarked on an ambitious project to install a metropolitan fiber network around the state capital, Minna. This high-speed internet infrastructure could increase broadband penetration and, in turn, stimulate the growth of startups and technology-based businesses. Fiber rings will be a key enabler of the digital economy, enabling businesses and individuals alike to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
Neither humans nor nations are islands. Are there any partnerships that are shaping the digital landscape of Niger State?
absolutely! Partnerships are the cornerstone of our approach. One of our most valuable collaborators is the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Through the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Program (NJFP), they are providing us with 100 graduate student interns, whose salaries are fully covered by UNDP. This is an important support in expanding our workforce and we hope that this number will increase soon.
We are also working with UNDP to transform the Abdul Salam Youth Center into a MakerSpace, a hardware-centric innovation hub. This will provide opportunities for youth to engage in technological innovation, particularly in hardware manufacturing, contributing to the diversification of Niger State’s economy.
In addition, the non-profit organization Tech4Dev is partnering with us to improve digital literacy and ICT skills among civil servants and young people. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has also collaborated through its Digital Economy Division to provide training to youths and collaborate on future projects aimed at advancing digital goals.
What role does the private sector play in Niger State’s digital economy?
The private sector has played a vital role in driving the digital economy. We have adopted a model that facilitates the entry of private operators into Niger State’s technology ecosystem. For example, a private company is in charge of the subway fiber ring project underway in Minna City. We waived right-of-way fees to prioritize long-term benefits to the state over immediate revenue. Allowing private companies to lead such efforts will minimize bureaucratic delays and ensure the success of these projects even after the administration leaves office.
If you’re a high-tech company looking to set up in the state, contact us and we’ll perform a cost-benefit analysis for your employees. If it is advantageous for the people, we will provide the necessary support, non-monetary of course.
Can you tell us more about the contribution from the private sector?
For example, Zenith Bank made a significant contribution by donating the building that currently houses our ministry and the Minna ICT Center, which serves as a base for various training programs. Another private company, BrowePoint, is deploying the Metropolitan Fiber Ring in the National Capital Region and is working on providing free Internet services to the administrative processes of higher institutions in the network. In addition, they manage the state open Wi-Fi system for markets that provides internet access to traders and artisans.
Alternative banks are developing state resident identification systems, a key component to fostering a digital society. We are also investing in digital hubs to promote ICT activities among youth.
Additionally, Tech4Dev provides free civil service training to states to help build a digitally literate workforce. The company is also in discussions to expand financial inclusion using MTN’s Momo service and aims to recruit over 1,000 new agents in rural areas with limited access to banking services. Masu.
What do you think will happen to Niger State’s digital economy in the next three years?
Over the next three years, I envision Niger State becoming a hub for technology companies with virtually no barriers to entry. By encouraging greater private sector participation, we aim to create an environment where technology-driven solutions can flourish without relying on government intervention. Our goal is to establish at least two Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centers with a capacity of 1,000 seats each, creating high-value jobs and contributing significantly to the state’s GDP.
Furthermore, we hope that the MakerSpace initiative will reach full capacity and provide hardware solutions not only in Niger State but also in other regions. By then, the ongoing digital literacy program is expected to help us reach 75% digital literacy by 2027, the ambitious goal set by the Governor.
Who is Suleiman Isa outside of his role as Director General?
Suleiman Isa is an outspoken person who remains deeply connected to his roots. Born and raised in Minna Town, I consider myself a local champion. I have an MSc in Information Security and Digital Forensics from the University of East London and a BSc in Computer Science and IT from Igbinedion University. I am a family man and am married with children. My passion for technology is reflected in my professional and personal life.
What are your interests, hobbies, and values?
I’m not much of a soccer fan, but I enjoy unique hobbies like horseback riding and clay pigeon shooting. I also have a deep interest in mentoring young people and speaking at events where I can share my experiences and insights. My values are deeply rooted in fairness and integrity, and I strongly believe in the principles of karma and reward. I live by the philosophy that it is essential to give everyone their due. Because if you support someone, you will inevitably deny others their due.
Follow us to get the latest news and market information.