Hosted by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in partnership with the Plateau State Government, the Council meeting carries the theme “Accelerating Inclusive Digital Transformation: Bridging the Gaps and Fostering Sustainable Growth Through Innovation.”

Delegates from federal and state ministries, ICT agencies, industry leaders, innovators and development organisations are attending the high-level gathering to assess progress on ongoing projects, identify gaps and agree on coordinated strategies that will deepen digital inclusion across the country.

This year’s meeting places a strong spotlight on state-level innovation.

From digital ID systems to telemedicine pilots, blockchain-enabled land registries, e-learning platforms and modern broadband deployments, states are expected to showcase practical solutions already improving governance, service delivery and economic participation at the grassroots.

NITDA, which is participating in the Council deliberations, noted that such subnational innovations demonstrate the growing maturity of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

The Agency reiterated its commitment to partnering with states to scale digital skills, support local innovators and strengthen the enabling infrastructure required for a nationally competitive digital economy.

Through its panel sessions and policy dialogues, the NCCIDE aims to harmonise national and state efforts and develop actionable recommendations that can accelerate Nigeria’s transition into an inclusive, innovation-led digital economy.

The unwavering commitment of the Governor and the collective efforts of the Solution team led to four prestigious awards during the peer review session, a testament to the state’s commitment to technological advancement.

As captured in the memorable photo above when Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, privately inquired about the true stance of Anambra’s Right of Way (RoW) policy, whilst handing over the award for the overall Best State in Infrastructure Development, I confirmed that our RoW policy is truly 100% free and I stressed that Mr. Governor is fully committed to this.

As the council progressed, the Minister jokingly stated, “Anambra, you may have shone this year but I assure you that many more States are coming up and would give you a run for your money at the next council meeting.”

I felt it was a fair comment, and when I had the chance to speak, I seized the opportunity to express our readiness to host the next council meeting, subject to Mr. Governor’s approval, in order to highlight the ongoing tech revolution in Anambra State.

The point was to illustrate that what we presented at the event captures only a fraction of the larger tech revolution going on in the State, as Anambra is actively engaged in numerous technology projects at various stages of development and implementation.

The distinctive feature of our Kano experience was opting for Dr. Florence Idigo, a civil servant and director at the Agency, to deliver the presentation on behalf of our state.

This decision signposted our conviction that success in technology is not solely dependent on technical expertise; instead, it requires collaboration and comprehension from all relevant stakeholders. It revolves around engaging individuals with a grasp on the significance of the state’s advancement.

This victory is a testament to the collaboration, acceptance, and commitment of critical stakeholders in the Government and the state’s technology ecosystem.

Beyond what was shared at the meeting, the ICT Agency is working closely with other MDAs on initiatives such as Budget Automation, Telemedicine Deployment, Public Wi-Fi, Hospitals Management Platform, Automation of Hospitals, Citizen’s Engagement, SEE/TBI Project Monitoring Dashboard, Strategy for a State-Owned CERRT, Identity Management Initiative, State Assets Platform, Automation of the Judiciary and many more innovative projects.

Anambra State now proudly stands on the technology map of Nigeria, a result of the goodwill and political resolve of Mr. Governor to embrace and invest in technology.

Our deepest gratitude goes to Mr. Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for providing an enabling environment that has propelled Anambra State to new heights in technological advancement and in other important facets of development.

We would also like to thank the entire State Executive Council, the Solution Team, the media, and Ndi Anambra for their unwavering support.

The Anambra State ICT Agency continues to look forward to a future marked by technological advancement, innovation, and unparalleled progress for our dear State.

The writer, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA) is the MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency

The award not only spotlights Anambra’s dedication to tech-driven governance but also highlights a series of groundbreaking achievements in the realm of E-Government Implementation.

Key Achievements:

Digitized ANSEC Processes: A complete digitization of Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) processes eliminates the need for costly printing, making the process more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable.

E-Government Infrastructure: The baseline study of E-government Infrastructure sets the stage for a digital revolution, with the procurement and distribution of state-of-the-art PCs and laptops advancing the objectives of digitization across the public sector.

Collaboration and Interconnectivity: Partnerships with the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the state aim to establish an Internet Exchange Point, focusing on improving interconnectivity and reducing Internet access costs.

IT Project Standardization: The implementation of the ITPRS Portal ensures the digitalization and standardization of IT projects in the State, issuing certificates as proof of compliance.

Communication Enhancement: The State-wide launch of the Unified Messaging Service (UMS) facilitates enhanced communication and collaboration among all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) assigning @anambrastate.gov.ng email addresses for seamless communication.

Land Administration Revolution: The deployment of a Centralized e-GIS System by the Ministry of Lands to revolutionize Land Administration in Anambra State.

Project Management Innovation: A partnership with the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) results in a Digital Delivery Dashboard, facilitating real-time project monitoring for the State’s 5 Solution Agenda.

ICT Policy Development: An inclusive draft ICT Policy document that represents the views of all relevant parties and aligns with the vision of “Everything Technology and Everywhere Technology.”

Blockchain Strategy Adoption: Anambra State has adopted the Federal Government’s Blockchain Strategy, promoting and enhancing the blockchain ecosystem within the state.

These accomplishments underscore the commitment of the Governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, to harnessing technology in governance processes for the betterment of our citizens. They are also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Anambra State ICT entire team.

As Anambra State continues its technological journey, the successful integration of innovative tech-driven initiatives showcases the state’s dedication to becoming a digital powerhouse, creating a brighter, tech-driven future for its citizens.

The meeting was chaired by the Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and hosted by Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Kano State Governor.

The vision of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, is to build a liveable and prosperous Smart Mega City and Mr. Governor is massively leveraging technology and digital innovation towards achieving this vision.

The awards, a testament to Anambra’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and progress in the digital realm, are as follows:

1. The Overall Winner Best State in Digital Technology Development:

Here, Anambra State stood tall as the undisputed overall winner, scoring the highest number of points in all the NCCIDE categories, showcasing its comprehensive dedication to advancing the state in the digital landscape.

This award was presented to Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), the MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency, by Engr Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Kano State Governor.

2. First Position Best State in Digital Infrastructure Technology Development:

Under this category, Anambra State was recognized as the leading state in ICT infrastructure development, following the full implementation of the Zero Right Of Way (RoW) policy, implementation of an Internet Exchange Point; all emphasizing the state’s commitment to building a robust foundation for the prosperity of its people, using Technology. This award was presented by the Minister of CIDE, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

3. First Runner-up in e-Government Implementation:

Anambra’s innovative e-government initiatives earned it the second position, highlighting the state’s effective use of technology in governance.

The award was presented by the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.

4. First Runner-up in Digital Technology Human Capital Development:

This award reinforces the state’s commitment to building a digitally-skilled and knowledgeable workforce and society in general.

The final award was presented by the Kano State, Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Alhaji Mohammed Othman.

It is noteworthy that Anambra’s impressive outing at the annual event that brings together the federal government and state underscores its strategic vision and exemplary but detailed execution in the realms of infrastructure, e-government, and human capital development under the visionary leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

The awards during the official opening ceremony, followed the earlier recognition received during the ICT Peer Review session, where Anambra’s presentation made by Dr. Florence Idigo, a Director in the State ICT Agency, garnered enthusiastic applause and commendation from industry experts.

Receiving the awards at the NCCIDE  awards, on behalf of the State Governor, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, (CFA), the MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, expressed profound appreciation to Mr. Governor for creating the enabling environment and a vision which guides the Agency in line with the ‘Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere’ mantra.

CFA also dedicated the awards not only to the team at ICT Agency but to the co-operation and collaboration of the entire solution team for their hard work and dedication to Mr. Governor’s vision.

“This achievement no doubt reflects our unwavering commitment to technological advancement and the transformative journey we are championing in Anambra State,” he concluded.

The week-long event, which commenced on Monday, 22nd January, to end on Friday, 26th January, 2024, is being held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano State, with the theme “Leveraging on Digital Technology and Innovation to Drive Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Development.”

The NCCIDE serves as the highest advisory body to the government on policies, programs, and strategies for national development in the realm of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the digital economy.

The primary objective of the meeting is to review actions taken by council members during the 10th council meeting and strategize towards achieving the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s strategic agenda for 2023-2027.

An outstanding highlight of the meeting so far is the Peer Review session, whose objective is to foster healthy competition, showcase state activities, facilitate mutual learning, and enhance collaboration among states in the advancement of digital innovations, skills, and digital economy policies.

Anambra State actively engaged in the ICT Peer Review session on Wednesday, 24th January 2024, during which the state’s presentation garnered enthusiastic applause.

The panel of judges, comprising industry experts, commended Anambra State for its outstanding presentation and highlighted the commendable decision to waive Right of Way charges.

This progressive move was acknowledged for its significant contribution to fostering the growth of digital infrastructure, drawing attention and applause from the panel.

The Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, was recognized for his forward-thinking approach in supporting initiatives that propel the state’s advancement in Information and Communication Technology.

This derives from the continuous efforts and achievements of the Anambra State ICT Agency, further emphasizing the transformative journey championed by the Governor.

The Anambra State delegation emphasized that the agency looks forward to more opportunities to contribute to the growth and development of Anambra State and the nation.

The official disclosure of the ICT Peer Review session results is scheduled for today after a meeting between the Minister of Communications and council members.

The Anambra State ICT Agency remains optimistic that the outcome will reflect the state’s dedication and hard work in advancing ICT initiatives.