The Governor of Plateau State,Governor Caleb Mutfwang has called on technology professionals, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and industry leaders to move beyond discussions and develop practical digital solutions that can drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and transform key sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking on Tuesday at the opening of the 20th Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) International Conference on Technology and Computing in Jos, the governor said innovation and technology must play a central role in solving the country’s developmental challenges.
Governor Mutfwang described Plateau as a microcosm of Nigeria and reaffirmed its identity as the Home of Peace and Tourism. He noted that the state’s cultural diversity, peaceful environment, hospitality, and investment potential makes it an ideal destination for innovation and enterprise
“If you haven’t visited Plateau, then you haven’t visited Nigeria because Plateau is the microcosm of our nation,” he said.
The governor highlighted his administration’s commitment to digital transformation, stating that technology has improved internally generated revenue, enhanced payroll management through biometric verification, increased transparency, and boosted efficiency in public service delivery.
He also revealed that the Plateau State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has established a Makerspace at Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, to equip young innovators with the skills and tools needed to create homegrown technological solutions.
According to him, technology must also be harnessed to improve agriculture, food security, livestock production, healthcare, education, and other critical sectors, adding that Nigeria must transition from being a consumer of technology to becoming a producer of globally competitive digital solutions.
Governor Mutfwang expressed confidence that Plateau is strategically positioned to become Nigeria’s next major economic hub outside Lagos, citing its abundant natural resources, youthful population, peaceful environment, and commitment to innovation-driven development.
Earlier, Chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, Bayo Mohamed Animode, said Jos was deliberately selected as the host city because of its strategic importance and role in promoting national unity and technological advancement.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance (RISE 2026),” Animode said the event aims to develop practical strategies for digital transformation, industrial collaboration, and inclusive economic growth through keynote presentations, technical sessions, innovation exhibitions, startup engagements, policy dialogues, and capacity-building programmes.
President of the Nigeria Computer Society, Prof. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, described digital innovation as essential to Nigeria’s future competitiveness. He noted that technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity, robotics, and quantum computing are reshaping economies worldwide and called for stronger collaboration among government, academia, industry, and development partners to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy.
He commended Governor Mutfwang and the Plateau State Government for hosting the conference and expressed optimism that the deliberations would produce actionable strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading technology hub in Africa.
