Artificial Intelligence systems are swiftly addressing issues of immediate concern in Niger State
In the heart of Nigeria, Niger State is undergoing a significant digital transformation, propelled by innovative initiatives and a commitment to technological advancement.
The transformation began in 2023 with the inauguration of the Ministry of Communications Technology and Digital Economy and the appointment of Suleiman Isah as commissioner. One of the ministry's key projects is the GT-Hub at Abdulkadir Kure University, a digital training, incubation, and acceleration center that equips students with skills in AI, data science, and software development. The university also uses Starlink for reliable connectivity, enabling students to pitch their ideas to investors.
Niger State's digital revolution has not been without challenges. Before 2023, the state's digital landscape was mostly unexplored, despite tech investment and start-ups in other parts of Nigeria. However, the state has made strides in overcoming these hurdles. As of early 2025, Niger State had laid about 3,681.66 kilometres of fibre optic cable, ranking fifth in Nigeria for fibre coverage. Yet, much of this capacity remains underutilised.
To address this issue, the Ministry of Communication Technology and Digital Economy has partnered with private companies to upgrade the telecommunications infrastructure and improve internet connectivity. Although specific project names or detailed measures have not been cited, the focus is on expanding digital access and enhancing broadband services.
The digital push extends to various sectors. In education, the basic education leaving certificate has been digitised, eliminating the issue of lost or forged paper certificates. The state government is also proposing an alternative approach to expand infrastructure and internet services by leveraging existing power lines to deliver fibre cables directly to homes.
Healthcare in Niger State has seen a significant transformation with the launch of the Asibiti system, a unified health card system linked across all state general and teaching hospitals. This system reduces corruption, allows citizens to pre-save for health expenses, and keeps patient data private but accessible and government-owned.
In response to a tragic incident during the state's civil service recruitment in 2024, an AI-powered remote exam system was developed and incorporated into university testing. This system eliminates fraud and slashes costs, saving the government ₦500 million and eliminating the need for crowded testing centers.
The state government is also addressing age falsification in the civil service through AI for payroll management. AI has also been used to audit digitised employment and pension records, scanning for anomalies like birthdate errors, forged certificates, and duplicate identities, and rooting out long-standing abuses.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Residents of Niger State largely depend on mobile networks for internet access, but these networks remain unreliable. Businesses, including tech hubs, are turning to satellite internet solutions like Starlink to meet their high-speed connectivity needs.
The digital transformation in Niger State is a testament to the power of innovation and commitment to progress. With initiatives like the GT-Hub, the Asibiti system, and the AI-powered remote exam system, Niger State is setting a precedent for digital transformation in Nigeria.
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