The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, has linked Kano State’s future economic growth to the development of digital skills and the promotion of innovation, urging stakeholders to embrace technology-driven strategies to strengthen the state’s economy.
Speaking at the Kano Start-up Weekend, Inuwa highlighted Kano’s historic role as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahelian region, noting that its legacy of trade, enterprise and human capital provides a strong foundation for modern, innovation-led growth.
He said while Kano’s traditional strengths had sustained the state for centuries, the contemporary economy offers new opportunities through the commercialisation of innovative ideas.
“Innovation is the process of taking an idea from inception to impact. Invention on its own is a cost centre, but when you commercialise an idea and turn it into a product or service that solves a real problem, that is when economic growth and inclusion begin,” Inuwa noted in a statement.
The NITDA chief stressed the need for a connected ecosystem that brings together universities, industries, start-ups and government to drive innovation. He pointed out that Kano hosts numerous federal, state and private degree-awarding institutions, but research outputs often fail to translate into commercial or industrial applications.
“Universities should align research with industry needs, industries should leverage research to improve productivity, and start-ups should act as the bridge converting ideas into market-ready solutions,” he said, adding that entrepreneurs must think globally from day one.
Inuwa also highlighted NITDA’s ongoing human capital initiatives, including the Digital Literacy for All programme and the 3 Million Technical Talents initiative. DL4ALL aims to equip Nigerians with essential digital skills, while 3MTT is building a pipeline of technical professionals in software development, data analysis and emerging technologies.
He noted that these programmes are aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises skills development, job creation and inclusive economic growth.
“By investing in people and equipping them with relevant skills, we are laying the foundation for a resilient, globally competitive economy,” Inuwa said.
The Director-General called on all stakeholders in Kano to collaborate in building a functional innovation ecosystem, expressing confidence that sustained investment in digital skills, technology and partnerships would enable the state to reclaim its historic leadership role and emerge as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
