Former Kaduna State Governor and African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has called on Northern governors to adopt technology and promote digitalisation in the region.

 

 

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deploy technology for the 2027 elections.

 

El-Rufai made the remarks at the premiere of Fasahar Zamani, a 12-episode Hausa-language digital technology series subtitled in English, produced by Blue Sapphire Hub and funded by UK Development International. The series aims to raise awareness about the adoption of technology across northern Nigeria.

 

He said Northern Nigeria lags behind in the use of technology and called on state governments to support digital entrepreneurs with training and seed funding.

 

“Northern Nigeria is yet to come to terms with the reality of the tech age. State governments should identify digital and tech entrepreneurs in their states and support them to develop ideas, create jobs, and position Nigeria on the technology map,” El-Rufai said.

 

The UK Global Digital Access Programme’s Country Lead, Idongesit Udoh, noted that the project seeks to bring underserved communities, including women and persons with disabilities, into Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

 

Maryam Lawan, founder of Blue Sapphire Hub, said the series demonstrates practical applications of technology, from agricultural solutions to healthcare, and encourages northern communities to use digital skills for learning and economic opportunities.