Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has called on technology professionals, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and industry leaders to develop practical digital solutions that will drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and transform Nigeria’s critical sectors.
The Governor made the call on Tuesday while declaring open the 20th Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) International Conference on Technology and Computing in Jos, Plateau State.
Addressing delegates from across Nigeria and beyond, Governor Mutfwang described Plateau as the true microcosm of the nation, highlighting its peaceful environment, rich cultural diversity, hospitality, and vast investment opportunities.
“If you haven’t visited Plateau, then you haven’t visited Nigeria because Plateau is the microcosm of our nation. This is home to every Nigerian—a place where everyone can live, work, invest, and prosper,” he said.
Governor Mutfwang said his administration has deliberately placed digital technology at the centre of governance and economic transformation. According to him, technology has improved internally generated revenue, strengthened payroll administration through biometric verification, enhanced transparency, and increased efficiency in public service delivery.
He also disclosed that the Plateau State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has established a state-of-the-art Makerspace at Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, to nurture young innovators and equip them with the skills and tools needed to develop home-grown technological solutions.
“Our goal is to lift our people out of poverty by leveraging technology to stimulate economic growth, improve productivity, and create sustainable opportunities for our citizens,” the Governor stated.
Governor Mutfwang stressed that digital innovation should be deployed to revolutionise agriculture, improve food security, modernise healthcare, strengthen education, enhance livestock production, and expand economic opportunities across all sectors.
He observed that Nigeria’s agricultural productivity remains below global standards, noting that innovation in areas such as potato and milk production could significantly increase yields and competitiveness.
The Governor urged participants to ensure the conference produces practical outcomes that will position Nigeria not only as a consumer of technology but also as a global producer of innovative hardware and software.
“The time has come for Nigeria to develop its own hardware, build globally competitive software, and create technologies that will drive our economic renaissance,” he emphasised.
Expressing optimism about Plateau’s future, Governor Mutfwang said the state is strategically positioned to become Nigeria’s next major economic frontier outside Lagos due to its abundant natural resources, youthful population, peaceful environment, and commitment to innovation-driven development.
He encouraged participants to serve as ambassadors of Plateau State by sharing their positive experiences and showcasing the state’s immense investment opportunities.
Earlier, Chairman of the Conference Committee, Bayo Mohamed Animode, said Jos was deliberately selected as the host city because Plateau symbolises national unity, regional development, and technological advancement.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance (RISE 2026),” Animode explained that the conference is designed to produce practical blueprints for industrial collaboration, digital transformation, and inclusive economic development.
He disclosed that the event features fourteen keynote presentations, technical sessions, innovation exhibitions, startup engagements, policy dialogues, and capacity-building programmes aimed at translating ideas into impactful solutions.
President of the Nigeria Computer Society, Prof. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, described digital innovation as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s future competitiveness.
He noted that emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity, robotics, and quantum computing—are reshaping economies, governance, and the future of work worldwide.
Prof. Aliyu commended Governor Mutfwang for his visionary commitment to digital transformation and appreciated the Plateau State Government for hosting the international conference.
He expressed confidence that the deliberations would produce actionable strategies capable of advancing Nigeria’s digital economy, creating quality jobs, improving public service delivery, and strengthening the country’s position as one of Africa’s leading technology hubs.
The hosting of the 20th Nigeria Computer Society International Conference further underscores Plateau State’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation, technology, and investment. Governor Mutfwang’s call for practical, home-grown digital solutions reflects his administration’s vision of leveraging technology to build a more prosperous, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for Plateau State and Nigeria.
