Northern Nigeria's Tech Future: Mustapha and Abdullahi Lead Innovation

At an executive training organized by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms in partnership with Image Merchants Promotion Limited, Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, stated that Northern Nigeria's future depends on biotechnology, information technology, and solar energy. These sectors can enhance agricultural productivity, expand renewable energy, support local manufacturing, and create jobs for millions.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, highlighted the agency's role in promoting digital literacy, innovation hubs, and smart agriculture solutions. Northern Nigeria benefits from high solar irradiation, which can support various agricultural and technological initiatives.

The World Bank's March 2025 mini-grid report indicated that the Nigeria Electrification Project provided access to electricity for 5.5 million Nigerians and created over 5,000 green jobs. This serves as a model for scaling solar-powered initiatives in states like Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, and Borno.