In a landmark move to align with the rapidly evolving global digital landscape, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has officially assented to the Gombe State Information Technology and Digital Economy Commission (GITDEC) Bill. The announcement was made on Wednesday in Gombe through a statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Ismaila Uba-Misilli. This development marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward becoming a leading tech-driven economy in Nigeria, reflecting a strategic vision to harness the transformative power of technology for sustainable development and economic empowerment.
The signing of the GITDEC Bill into law underscores Governor Yahaya’s commitment to positioning Gombe State as a hub for innovation, digital inclusion, and economic progress. The establishment of the commission is not merely a bureaucratic exercise but a deliberate effort to create a robust framework for leveraging information and communication technology (ICT) to drive growth across various sectors of the state’s economy. By institutionalizing GITDEC, Gombe State is poised to join the league of forward-thinking regions that prioritize digital transformation as a catalyst for socio-economic advancement.
Governor Yahaya, in his remarks, described the commission as the “engine room” for innovation, digital inclusion, and economic empowerment in Gombe State. He emphasized that GITDEC will play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s digital future by fostering an ecosystem that supports technological innovation and ensures that the benefits of the digital economy are accessible to all segments of the population. “This is a strategic response to the evolving global digital landscape and a bold step towards positioning Gombe as one of Nigeria’s leading tech-driven economies,” Yahaya stated, highlighting the commission’s potential to redefine the state’s economic trajectory.
The scope of GITDEC’s mandate is both comprehensive and ambitious. According to the governor, the commission is tasked with driving policy formulation and implementation in critical areas such as ICT development, digital literacy, e-governance, and innovation. These focus areas are designed to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age. By prioritizing ICT development, GITDEC aims to create a robust technological infrastructure that supports the state’s digital ambitions. This includes the deployment of cutting-edge technologies to enhance service delivery, improve access to information, and streamline government operations.
Digital literacy is another cornerstone of GITDEC’s mandate. Recognizing that technology is only as effective as the ability of people to use it, the commission will work to ensure that citizens across all demographics—youth, women, rural communities, and marginalized groups—acquire the skills needed to thrive in a digital world. This focus on digital literacy is particularly significant in a state like Gombe, where bridging the digital divide is essential for inclusive growth. By equipping citizens with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital landscape, GITDEC aims to empower individuals to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
E-governance, another key pillar of the commission’s agenda, reflects Gombe State’s commitment to modernizing public administration through technology. By adopting digital tools and platforms, the state government aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in governance. This includes the digitization of government services, which will make it easier for citizens to access essential services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. E-governance will also facilitate data-driven decision-making, enabling the government to respond more effectively to the needs of its citizens.
Innovation is at the heart of GITDEC’s mission. The commission is expected to serve as a catalyst for nurturing a vibrant tech ecosystem in Gombe State. This includes supporting tech startups and innovation hubs, which are critical for fostering entrepreneurship and creating job opportunities for the state’s youthful population. By providing resources, mentorship, and access to funding, GITDEC will empower young innovators to turn their ideas into viable businesses, thereby driving economic growth and diversification. The commission’s focus on innovation also extends to creating an enabling environment for research and development, ensuring that Gombe remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
Attracting investment into the digital sector is another key objective of GITDEC. By creating a conducive environment for tech companies and investors, the commission aims to position Gombe State as an attractive destination for digital investments. This includes offering incentives, streamlining regulatory processes, and building partnerships with private sector stakeholders. Such efforts are expected to spur economic activity, create jobs, and enhance the state’s competitiveness in the national and global digital economy.
Cybersecurity and data protection are also critical components of GITDEC’s mandate. As Gombe State embraces digital transformation, ensuring the security of government platforms and protecting citizens’ data will be paramount. GITDEC will work to establish robust cybersecurity frameworks, implement best practices in data protection, and build public trust in digital systems. This focus on cybersecurity is particularly important in an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and safeguarding sensitive information is essential for maintaining public confidence in digital initiatives.
The formal handover of the assented bill took place in a brief ceremony, where Professor Ibrahim Njodi, the Secretary to the State Government, presented a copy of the document to Professor Abdullahi Garkuwa, the Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation. This symbolic act marked the beginning of the commission’s operational phase, with Professor Garkuwa now tasked with overseeing the implementation of GITDEC’s objectives. The commissioner expressed optimism about the commission’s potential to transform Gombe State, describing its establishment as a “great milestone” in the state’s march toward digital advancement.
Professor Garkuwa emphasized that GITDEC represents a bridge between traditional governance and modern technological solutions. By integrating technology into governance and everyday life, the commission aims to unlock new opportunities for youth, women, and entrepreneurs. “This is about unlocking the full potential of our people and economy through smart, inclusive innovation,” Garkuwa said, underscoring the commission’s role in fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society. His remarks reflect a broader vision of leveraging technology not just for economic growth but also for social empowerment and equity.
The establishment of GITDEC comes at a time when Nigeria, and indeed the world, is undergoing a digital revolution. Across the globe, governments and organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of technology in driving sustainable development. In Nigeria, states like Lagos, Abuja, and Kaduna have made significant strides in embracing digital transformation, and Gombe’s move to establish GITDEC signals its intent to compete in this space. By creating a dedicated commission to oversee its digital agenda, Gombe State is positioning itself as a leader in the North-East region, where technological development has often lagged behind other parts of the country.
The implications of GITDEC’s establishment are far-reaching. For the youth, who constitute a significant portion of Gombe’s population, the commission offers hope for a brighter future. By fostering skills development and supporting tech startups, GITDEC will create pathways for young people to participate in the digital economy, reducing unemployment and driving innovation. For women, who have historically been underrepresented in the tech sector, the commission’s focus on digital literacy and inclusion promises to open new doors for empowerment and economic participation.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners in Gombe also stand to benefit from GITDEC’s initiatives. By providing access to digital tools, training, and funding opportunities, the commission will enable businesses to scale, reach new markets, and compete in an increasingly digital world. This is particularly important in a state where agriculture and small-scale trade have traditionally dominated the economy. By diversifying into the digital sector, Gombe can reduce its reliance on traditional industries and build a more resilient economy.
Looking ahead, the success of GITDEC will depend on effective implementation and collaboration with stakeholders across the public and private sectors. The commission will need to work closely with educational institutions, tech companies, civil society organizations, and international partners to achieve its goals. Building a skilled workforce, fostering a culture of innovation, and creating an enabling environment for investment will require sustained effort and strategic planning.
In conclusion, the assent of the Gombe State Information Technology and Digital Economy Commission Bill by Governor Inuwa Yahaya marks a turning point in the state’s development journey. By establishing GITDEC, Gombe is laying the foundation for a tech-driven future that prioritizes innovation, inclusion, and economic empowerment. As the commission begins its work, it has the potential to transform Gombe into a model for digital transformation in Nigeria, unlocking new opportunities for its people and positioning the state as a leader in the digital age. With a clear vision, strong leadership, and a commitment to inclusive growth, Gombe State is well on its way to realizing its full potential in the global digital economy.
