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Zamfara State has positioned itself as a contender in Nigeria’s digital economy through technology investments and governance reforms implemented under Governor Dauda Lawal, officials said, citing recognition from federal agencies and progress in infrastructure deployment since 2023.
Central to the state’s digitalization drive is the Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency, which provides institutional coordination for partnerships, innovation initiatives, and technology integration across government ministries and public services.
Dr. Habib Gajam, ZITDA’s executive secretary, said recent achievements reflect the governor’s commitment to modernizing administration and expanding digital access for citizens. “Governor Dauda Lawal has modernised governance and empowered Zamfara citizens through technology,” Gajam said, adding that reforms align with the administration’s broader development agenda. ZITDA recorded multiple milestones since its establishment, including passage by the Zamfara State House of Assembly of legislation creating the Zamfara Institute of Information Technology. The institute is intended to serve as a dedicated facility for information technology education, research, and skills development, though construction timelines and operational details have not been disclosed.
Zamfara became Nigeria’s first state to adopt a Digital Literacy Framework in June 2025, aiming to equip residents with foundational digital skills.
The framework targets students, civil servants, entrepreneurs, and underserved populations, with ZITDA coordinating implementation across education, commerce, and public administration sectors.
Governor Lawal described the framework at its launch as “a bold roadmap to a digitally inclusive future” and committed his administration to full implementation. The initiative brought together federal technology agencies, development partners, lawmakers, academics, and private sector representatives to review and refine the draft document before formal adoption. The state won recognition at the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emerging as best state in digital infrastructure development at a meeting held in Makurdi, Benue State. Zamfara also received awards for e-government implementation from the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in December 2025, according to government announcements.
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Gajam attributed the achievements to collaborative efforts and ZITDA’s focus on leveraging technology for sustainable development. “This reflects teamwork, visionary leadership and ZITDA’s focus on empowering people through technology,” he said. The agency has committed to deepening innovation, expanding digital access, and ensuring technology becomes a driver of economic growth across the northwestern state, which faces security challenges that have constrained development in rural areas.
Zamfara eliminated right-of-way charges for telecommunications companies in 2024, a move officials said attracted private investment and accelerated broadband expansion. The decision positioned the state among the first in Nigeria to waive fees that telecom operators cite as barriers to infrastructure deployment.
Since then, ZITDA has installed 10 kilometers of fiber optic cable across Gusau, the state capital, linking government offices including the secretariat, State House of Assembly, high court, internal revenue service, specialist hospital, and educational institutions. The network aims to enable faster communication between agencies and support e-governance platforms.
The state launched e-GovConnect, an electronic governance system piloted for the State Executive Council to streamline meetings and decision-making. The platform provides real-time presentation capabilities and secure documentation, with plans to extend coverage to ministries and departments. ZITDA implemented a Visitors Management System at Government House to digitize access control and deployed a Biometric Attendance System to monitor punctuality among public servants. All information technology operations and personnel across government agencies now report to ZITDA, consolidating oversight that officials said eliminates duplication and improves coordination.
In partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission, ZITDA trained women in digital skills including cybersecurity, digital marketing, and content creation. Participants received Android smartphones and certificates upon completion of the three-day program held in August 2025.
The state partnered with Oracle Corporation to train more than 3,000 youth in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data science, and database management through the Oracle-ZITDA Skills Initiative. The program targets unemployed graduates and young entrepreneurs seeking technology competencies.
Zamfara’s transport authority introduced an AI-powered fleet management system for 50 new buses equipped with Wi-Fi, GPS tracking, and digital ticketing. The system aims to improve service reliability and passenger safety while generating data for route optimization.
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Governor Lawal signed a memorandum of understanding with NetOne Neo Technology Limited in October 2025 for development of the state’s information technology ecosystem and value chain during the Digital Government Africa Summit in Lusaka, Zambia. Terms and implementation schedules were not disclosed. The administration has distributed computers, printers, projectors, and internet equipment to government agencies under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms program in collaboration with ZITDA. The initiative aims to improve the business environment and attract investors by enhancing digital capacity across ministries. Zamfara faces persistent security threats from armed groups operating in rural areas, which have disrupted agriculture, displaced communities, and strained public resources. Officials say digital infrastructure and e-governance systems can improve service delivery despite security constraints by reducing reliance on physical presence and enabling remote transactions.
The state partnered with the National Information Technology Development Agency to explore smart agriculture initiatives leveraging technologies such as internet-of-things sensors, data analytics, and remote monitoring. Farming remains the primary livelihood for most residents, and officials say digital tools could improve productivity and market access.
ZITDA has sought partnerships with federal agencies including the Nigerian Communications Commission, Galaxy Backbone, and Nigeria Data Protection Commission to support infrastructure expansion, capacity building, and cybersecurity frameworks.
The Digital Literacy Framework organizes interventions around four outcomes: digital competence among students, essential digital skills for civil servants, technology-enabled business growth for entrepreneurs, and broader societal digital inclusion. Implementation timelines and budgets have not been publicly detailed.
Zamfara State Government has prioritized technology under Lawal’s administration, which began May 29, 2023. The governor has emphasized digital transformation as essential to economic diversification and improved governance despite fiscal constraints and security challenges.
