The flagship programme is designed to equip citizens with the digital tools they need to thrive in the 21st century and position Bauchi as a rising hub of innovation in Northern Nigeria.

Declaring the initiative open, Senator Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State governor described digital literacy as “a fundamental right for all citizens” and a cornerstone of the state’s development vision.

“Technology and innovation are the fastest-growing industries in the world,” the Governor said. “With the right skills, people can now create sustainable value from anywhere, even from their own homes. This is how we will empower our youth, strengthen institutions, and enable our entrepreneurs to succeed globally.”

Governor Mohammed emphasized that the ultimate aim is to create jobs that provide lasting value, fight poverty, and restore dignity.

He noted that Bauchi has invested heavily in infrastructure over the past six years to unlock opportunities and connect its vibrant youth to global markets.

NITDA’s Commitment to Digital Inclusion

Representing Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA’s director general, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola praised Bauchi State for its forward-thinking approach.

“This is a bold step towards ensuring the state is not left behind in the ongoing global digital revolution,” he said.

The DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 and the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), which focuses on six competencies: device and software use, data literacy, digital content creation, communication, safety, and problem-solving.

Three Pillars of the DL4ALL Bauchi Initiative

The programme will be delivered through three major pathways: Informal Sector Programme: Targeting artisans, traders, and informal workers with practical digital skills. Already, 7,101 Digital Literacy Champions trained by NITDA and the NYSC have reached more than 267,000 Nigerians, with a target of 30 million by 2027.

Workforce Readiness Programme: Designed for public servants, graduates, and job seekers, focusing on employability and productivity skills. NITDA aims to train five million workers nationwide, working with partners such as Cisco and the Office of the Head of Service.

Educational Sector Programme: Integrating digital literacy into schools. A new Basic Education Digital Skills Curriculum, approved in October 2024, will roll out in September 2025, with plans to train 3,600 teachers across the country.

Bauchi’s Digital Ambition

Highlighting Nigeria’s youthful population as its greatest asset, Inuwa noted that Bauchi—with its abundant talent and strategic location, can become a hub for digital innovation and transformation.

Malam Hayatudeen Babamaji, director general of the Bauchi State Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, echoed this vision.

“This is not just about launching a programme; it is about setting a bold agenda for the digital future of Bauchi State,” he said.

He reaffirmed Bauchi’s ambition to build a secure, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy that generates jobs and revenue while bridging the digital divide.

A Milestone Moment

The launch attracted senior government officials, technology leaders, development partners, and lawmakers, underscoring its importance in the state’s transformation journey.

For Bauchi, the DL4ALL Initiative marks more than just a policy milestone, it signals the state’s determination to embrace technology as a driver of opportunity, prosperity, and inclusive growth.

On the other hand, Delta Bayelsa and Kaduna recorded the lowest price at N3,234.29. 

The report also noted that  Consumers witnessed a 5.84% surge in the average retail price per litre of Household Kerosene (HHK) in December 2023, reaching N1,362.27 compared to N1,287.10 in November 2023, according to the NBS National Household Kerosene Price Watch (December 2023).

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) further highlighted a substantial 23.33% year-on-year increase from the N1,104.61 recorded in December 2022.

Analysing state profiles, Abuja led with the highest average price per litre at N1,650.00, followed closely by Ogun at N1,609.52 and Benue at N1,594.44.

Conversely, Kwara had the lowest recorded price at N917.14, followed by Rivers and Nassarawa.

On a regional scale, NBS pointed out that the South-West claimed the top spot in the average retail price per litre of HHK at N1,455.21 in December 2023. The North-West followed at N1,420.48, while the South-East reported the lowest at N1,264.49.

Examining the data in gallons, NBS reported that the average retail price of Household Kerosene in December 2023 was N4,529.92, reflecting a 1.17% decrease from the previous month and a substantial 20.69% increase from December 2022.

Zooming to consider regions, the North-East recorded the highest average retail price per gallon of HHK at N5,077.08, closely followed by the South-West at N5,014.48.

In contrast, the South-South reported the lowest at N3,957.17 in December 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The Fate Institute State-Level Entrepreneurial Index Ranking measures the enabling environment for entrepreneurship in each state of the country, including access to finance, infrastructure, and human capital. 

Both the public and private sectors are playing significant roles in the development of these states.

Measured according to business performance, skills acquisition, innovation and technology adoption, perception of future opportunities, enabling business environment, index score and rank, the top 10 states leading entrepreneurship development in Nigeria according to the 2022 ranking are:

1. Imo 

Imo State has made significant strides in entrepreneurship development, particularly in the technology sector. The state has a growing number of startups and incubators, and has invested in infrastructure development to support entrepreneurship. 

The state government has launched several initiatives to support small businesses and startups, and the local ecosystem has seen an influx of investment and innovation.

One of the most notable entrepreneurship development initiatives in Imo State is the Imo State Investment Promotion Agency (ISIPA), which was established to attract investment to the state and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ISIPA offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including investment facilitation, business registration, and access to funding.

Imo State’s business performance was 0.17, with skills acquisition of 0.16, innovation and technology adoption measured 0.18, perception of future opportunities was 0.22, enabling business environment indicated 0.08, while index score was 0.82 and rank was 1.

2. Bauchi

Bauchi State has a relatively young population and has invested in human capital development. The state has also launched several initiatives to support entrepreneurship and innovation, including a technology hub. With business performance of 0.15, Bauchi measured 0.14 for skills acquisition, 0.17 in innovation and technology adoption, 0.21 for perception of future opportunities, enabling business environment was 0.05, index score was 0.72, with rank of 2.

Bauchi State Investment Promotion Agency (BIPA), was established to attract investment to the state and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). BIPA offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including investment facilitation, business registration, and access to funding.

In addition to BIPA, Bauchi State has also established the Bauchi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (BASMEDA), which provides training and capacity building for SMEs, as well as access to finance and other resources.

3. Delta

Delta State has a strong manufacturing base and has launched several initiatives to support entrepreneurship and attract investment. The state has also invested in infrastructure development to support entrepreneurship. While the state’s business performance was 0.16, its skills acquisition was 0.12, innovation and technology adoption was 0.13, perception of future opportunities measured 0.23, enabling business environment was fixed at 0.05, while index score and rank were 0.70 and 3 respectively.

Delta State Investment Development Agency (DIDA), which was established to attract investment to the state and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). DIDA offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including investment facilitation, business registration, and access to funding.

In addition to DIDA, Delta State has also established the Delta State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (DESMEDA), which provides training and capacity building for SMEs, as well as access to finance and other resources.

The state government has also launched several other initiatives to support entrepreneurship development, such as the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund, which provides funding and technical assistance to SMEs, and the Delta State Innovation Hub, which provides a platform for entrepreneurs to access resources and collaborate with other startups.

4. Plateau

Plateau State, which ranked fourth has a growing tourism sector and has invested in infrastructure development to support entrepreneurship. The state has also launched several initiatives to support innovation and technology. 

Plateau State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (PLASMEDA), established to provide training, funding and support to SMEs in the state, offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including business advisory, mentorship, and access to finance.

In addition to PLASMEDA, Plateau State has also established the Plateau State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), which provides training and capacity building for SMEs in the technology industry, as well as access to funding and other resources.

The state government has also launched several other initiatives to support entrepreneurship development, such as the Plateau State Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (PL-YESS), which provides training and funding for young entrepreneurs, and the Plateau State Economic and Investment Summit, which provides a platform for entrepreneurs to network and access funding opportunities.

In business performance it had a score of 0.15, skills acquisition of 0.15, innovation and technology adoption was also 0.15, perception of future opportunities, 0.21, enabling business environment was 0.04, with an index score of 0.69.

5. Gombe

Despite being a relatively small state, Gombe has made significant progress in the technology space in recent years, thanks to the efforts of the state government, private sector, and tech enthusiasts.

One of the most notable technology initiatives in Gombe is the Gombe State Innovation Hub, which was established by the state government to support tech startups and innovation. The hub provides co-working spaces, mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to a network of tech experts and investors.

In addition to the innovation hub, Gombe has also launched several other initiatives to support technology and innovation, such as the Gombe Goes Digital program, which aims to digitize government services and processes, and the Gombe Tech Academy, which provides training and skills development for young people in tech-related fields.

In business performance, it measured 0.15, skills acquisition; 0.14, innovation and technology adoption; 0.15, perception of future opportunities; 0.20, enabling business environment; 0.04, index score; 0.69 and rank of 5.

6. Bayelsa

Bayelsa State has a growing technology ecosystem, with several startups and incubators. The state has also invested in infrastructure development to support entrepreneurship.

One of the most notable entrepreneurship development initiatives in Bayelsa State is the Bayelsa State Microfinance & Enterprise Development Agency (BYMEDA), which was established to provide training, funding and support to SMEs in the state. BYMEDA offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including business advisory, mentorship, and access to finance.

Business performance was 0.14, skills acquisition; 0.14, innovation and technology adoption; 0.15, perception of future opportunities; 0.20, enabling business environment; 0.05, index score; 0.68 and rank; 6.

7. Edo

Edo State has a growing technology ecosystem, with several startups and incubators. The state has also established a venture capital fund to support early-stage startups.

Business performance was 0.14, skills acquisition; 0.13, innovation and technology adoption; 0.14, perception of future opportunities; 0.21, enabling business environment; 0.05, index score; 0.67 and rank; 7.

A significant move in the state is the Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs), which was established to provide training, funding and support to SMEs in the state. EdoJobs offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including business advisory, mentorship, and access to finance.

The State has also established the Edo State Innovation Hub, which provides training and capacity building for SMEs in the technology industry, as well as access to funding and other resources.

8. Kaduna

Kaduna State has invested in infrastructure development, particularly in the transportation sector. The state has also launched several initiatives to support entrepreneurship and attract investment.

Business performance; 0.12, skills acquisition; 0.12, innovation and technology adoption; 0.17, perception of future opportunities; 0.20, enabling business environment; 0.05, index score; 0.66 and rank of 8.

Kaduna State has built notable entrepreneurship development initiatives including the Kaduna Startup & Entrepreneurship Programme (KADSTEP), which was established to provide training, funding and support to SMEs in the state. KADSTEP offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including business advisory, mentorship, and access to finance.

In addition to KADSTEP, Kaduna State has also established the Kaduna State ICT Hub, which provides training and capacity building for SMEs in the technology industry, as well as access to funding and other resources.

9. Ebonyi

Ebonyi State has a relatively young population and has invested in human capital development. The state has also launched several initiatives to support entrepreneurship and innovation.

Ebonyi State Ministry of Empowerment and Job Creation was established to provide training, funding, and support to SMEs in the state. The ministry offers a range of services to entrepreneurs and investors, including business advisory, mentorship, and access to finance.

The State has also established the Ebonyi State Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, which provides training and capacity building for SMEs in various industries, as well as access to funding and other resources.

With rank of 9, Ebonyi States business performance was 0.15, skills acquisition was 0.12, innovation and technology adoption; 0.15, perception of future opportunities; 0.19, enabling business environment; 0.04, and index score; 0.65.

10. Benue

Benue State has a growing agriculture sector and has launched several initiatives to support agribusiness and entrepreneurship development, such as the Benue State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund, which provides access to affordable loans for SMEs in the state, and the Benue State Youth Empowerment Scheme, which provides training and funding for young entrepreneurs.

The private sector is also playing a significant role in entrepreneurship development in Benue State. The state has a growing agriculture and agribusiness ecosystem, with several startups and agribusiness incubators, and companies such as Dangote Group, which produces a range of products from cement to sugar, are contributing to the growth of the local economy.

Business performance for Benue State was measured at 0.13, while skills acquisition indicated 0.14. Innovation and technology adoption was 0.15, perception of future opportunities; 0.20, enabling business environment; 0.05, index score of 0.65 and ranked 10.

These 10 states are leading the way in entrepreneurship development in Nigeria, creating a supportive environment for startups and small businesses to thrive. 

The ranking is a useful tool for policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs to identify areas for improvement and investment. 

By supporting entrepreneurship, Nigeria can unlock its full economic potential and create jobs for its growing population.