Niger Issues Official Gazette On Digital Economy

The Niger State government has published an official gazette establishing the statutory mandate  for the development of  Communication Technology and Digital Economy in the state.

The commissioner for communication technology and digital economy, Suleiman Isah, disclosed in Minna that this followed the recognition of the crucial role of the IT sector in fostering economic prosperity and self-reliance. 

He said the Gazette tagged; “Niger State Information and Communication Technology Promotion Order No. 01, 2024” underscores the need to promote local IT products and services, stimulate domestic and foreign investments, create employment opportunities for its residents and collaborate with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to boost the patronage of local IT products and services. 

“Also the gazette empowered the Ministry of Communications Technology and Digital Economy to be the sole custodian of all IT initiatives of the State irrespective of benefiting sector. This is to ensure quality and standards in technology deployments in the State,” he said.

The commissioner said  Governor Mohammed Bago approved the order to take  effect from the 1st of March, 2024.

He said it sought to empower the Ministry of Communication Technology and Digital Economy to regulate, promote, and develop the communication and digital economy sectors in the state, thereby emphasising the importance of innovation, investment stimulation, and strategic development while recognising the need to develop communication technologies to meet established global practices. 

The commissioner added that the conferment of exclusive powers on the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy encompasses oversight, supervision and project coordination as the ministry now has the authority over regulations, policies, and standards governing the procurement, usage and management of IT devices, solutions and services across all MDAs.