Kano Govt Reiterates Commitment to Digital Transformation
By Mustapha Salisu
Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to harnessing digital innovation as a key driver of economic growth and sustainable development.
Speaking at the opening of the 2nd Digital Kano Conference, organized by the Kano Digital Innovation Network (KDIN) at Coronation Hall, Government House, Gwarzo declared that the administration sees the digital economy as a cornerstone of progress.
“To our young innovators, the tech entrepreneurs, and the brilliant minds in this room, your government believes in you. We are counting on your creativity to provide homegrown solutions to our local challenges—from financial inclusion for our traders and farmers, to smart solutions for our growing urban centers and strategies,” he said.
The Deputy Governor described the theme of this year’s conference, “Economic Resilience: Addressing Financial Inclusion, Food Security, Urban Challenges, and Green Economy in Nigeria,” as both “timely and critically urgent,” noting that it reflects the government’s clear understanding that today’s challenges demand technology-driven solutions.
“In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, we cannot afford to be spectators. We must be active architects of our digital future,” Gwarzo stressed.
He outlined some of the Yusuf-led administration’s achievements in advancing digital governance, including increasing the online presence of ministries, departments, and agencies; expanding access to digital services and internet facilities; piloting the digitalization of the Executive Council Secretariat; providing iPads for seamless official transactions; and the complete renovation of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation headquarters to align with national best practices.
Gwarzo further announced the establishment of the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA), tasked with developing robust digital infrastructure across the state and ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital age.
“Our commitment is unwavering. We are steadfast in advancing ICT as a co-pillar of our development agenda,” he said, adding that the government is actively fostering strategic partnerships with federal and international stakeholders to attract investment and innovation that will improve the quality of life for Kano citizens.
Reiterating the government’s open-door policy, the Deputy Governor assured startups, innovators, and investors of a conducive environment to thrive. He noted that the financial support given to KDIN for the 2025 conference demonstrates the administration’s readiness to invest in digital transformation and nurture the innovation ecosystem.
“I commend the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Kano Digital Innovation Network for their vision and diligence in organizing this important conference. I have no doubt that the deliberations over the next three days will yield actionable insights and partnerships that will shape the digital destiny of our dear state,” Gwarzo added.
Also in his remarks, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for stronger use of digital innovation to expand financial inclusion and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
He noted that while 74% of adults are now financially included, 26% remain excluded, most of them in the North, including Kano.
The DG described Kano as a historic hub of commerce but stressed that many women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs still lack access to affordable finance and digital tools.
According to him, innovations such as agent banking, mobile money, and online marketplaces can transform exclusion into jobs and growth.
The DG outlined NITDA’s efforts, including ICT centres, digital literacy programs, and support for startups, while urging partnerships among government, fintechs, development partners, and traditional leaders.
He assured that with collective action, digital tools can empower every entrepreneur and drive shared prosperity.
The three-day conference is expected to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners to chart strategies for deepening digital inclusion and driving sustainable development across Kano State.
