The Governor of Gombe State, North-East Nigeria, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has signed into law the establishment of the Gombe State Information Technology and Digital Economy Commission (GITDEC).
Describing the move as a strategic response to the rapidly evolving global digital landscape, Governor Yahaya hailed the creation of the Commission as a bold step towards positioning Gombe State as one of Nigeria’s leading tech-driven economies.
“This Commission will serve as the engine room for innovation, digital inclusion, and economic empowerment across our state,” the Governor stated.
GITDEC is mandated to lead policy development and implementation in key areas such as ICT advancement, digital literacy, e-governance, and innovation.
The Commission will also promote skills acquisition across all age groups, support tech start-ups and innovation hubs, attract investment in the digital sector, and ensure robust cybersecurity and data protection across government platforms.
The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, formally handed over a copy of the newly assented law to the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Abdullahi Bappah Garkuwa, for immediate implementation.
In his remarks, Professor Garkuwa described the establishment of the Commission as a significant milestone in Gombe State’s journey towards digital transformation.
He emphasised that the Commission would bridge the gap between traditional governance and modern technological solutions, thereby creating new opportunities for young people, women, and entrepreneurs.
“This is about unlocking the full potential of our people and economy through smart, inclusive innovation,” Professor Garkuwa remarked.
The signing of the GITDEC law follows a series of recent partnerships between the Gombe State Government and both national and international technology organisations, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Uniccon Group.
These collaborations aim to strengthen digital infrastructure and expand capacity building across the state.
With this development, Gombe State joins the ranks of forward-thinking states leveraging the digital economy as a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and sustainable development.