In one of the major steps taken towards regional integration and digital empowerment, the governments of Niger and Nasarawa States have unveiled a joint Smart Skills Development Programme called NINATECH, aimed at equipping 10,000 citizens across both states with cutting-edge digital skills by the year 2027.

Pioneering sub-national collaboration sets a new benchmark for regional development ahead of the North Central Development Commission take-off
The initiative stems from a shared commitment between the Niger State Ministry of Communications Technology and Digital Economy, led by Commissioner, Suleiman Isah, and the Nasarawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (NASITDEA), under the leadership of Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Haruna Sani Sani.

This strategic alliance builds on recent institutional milestones, the creation of NASITDEA two years ago by the Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, and the establishment of Niger State’s Communications Ministry under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, both signaling strong political will to transform their states into digitally competitive economies.

The NINATECH programme targets four high-impact areas of the tech sector: Cybersecurity, digital forensics, digital entrepreneurship, and data science.
In addition to hands-on technical training, the programme emphasised employability and real-world relevance. Organisers are already engaging local and international partners to provide internships, job placements, and remote work opportunities for participants who complete the programme.

“This programme will not only enhance employability but also foster entrepreneurship and economic growth in the two states.

It also shows how states can leverage synergy, innovation, and resource-sharing to solve pressing challenges,” said Commissioner Suleiman Isah.