The Benue State Executive Council has approved the full domestication of the National Digital Economy Plan Strategy (NDEPS) in the state.

Posted on 1 August, 2024 by Administrator

PRESS RELEASE

The Benue State Executive Council has approved the full domestication of the National Digital Economy Plan Strategy (NDEPS) in the state.

The National Digital Economy Plan Strategies (NDEPS) 2020 to 2030 outline defined policies, priorities, objectives, and implementation plans focused on driving the digital economy for growth, well-being, and inclusiveness. These strategies aim to boost economic productivity, enhance competitiveness, and create sustainable economic growth.

At its meeting on Wednesday, 17th July 2024, the Benue State Executive Council (EXCO) considered and approved the Benue State Digital Economy framework and funding for the entire state’s digital economy infrastructure, worth N93,500,000,000 Naira.

The Honourable Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. Kwaghgba Amande, stated this while addressing newsmen in a press briefing in Makurdi on Monday, 22nd July 2024.

It should be recalled that the State Executive Council (EXCO), on the 3rd May 2024, approved the establishment, funding, and management of "Benue Digital Infrastructure Company Limited" (BDIC) as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) company for the Benue State Government.

The Benue Digital Infrastructure Company Implementation Committee was inaugurated on 7th May 2024, with terms of reference to work out the modalities for the establishment, funding, and management of "Benue Digital Infrastructure Company Limited" (BDIC).

According to the Honourable Commissioner, on the recommendation of the BDIC Implementation Committee, the State Executive Council (EXCO), on 17th July 2024, considered and approved the following:

1. Registration of BDIC PLC with a share capital of N1,000,000,000, with share allotments to the Benue State Government and the 23 Local Government Councils, respectively.

2. Establishment of an enforcement agency with the technical expertise to regulate the Benue State ICT sector and aggregate BDIC services for implementation in all MDAs, known as "Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management Enforcement Agency" (BENDISMEA). This agency will serve as the sole implementer of digital services and infrastructure developed by the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company for the Benue State Government, the Local Government Areas, and agencies in Benue State. It will regulate ICT services and ensure compliance with user agreements among all state and local government entities. The agency will derive 0.5% of BDIC's revenue as operational and running costs, outside the State Government's burden.

3. Immediate recruitment and employment of 253 digitally inclined staff to support the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA) operations within 3 months.

4. Acquisition of a state-owned Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) license with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to handle all state revenue and payment processing activities, including payroll, BIRS collections, and state POS to eliminate and avoid third-party services in revenue collections in the state.

5. Appointment of the Honourable Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy as the Chairman of BDIC Board of Directors and confirmation of the nomination of the Lead Private Partner/BDIC Consultant, Mr. Gbande Terwase Hembaor, as the Managing Director/CEO of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company.

6. Use and conversion of the Benue State Library Complex into the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company Headquarters, which will include a data center, digital library/e-learning, computer-based testing (CBT) center, digital TV studio infrastructure, training facilities, and simulation laboratories, including fitting out with computers and furnishings as part of state government equity.

7. Provision of physical infrastructure by the 23 Local Government Councils for the development of Digital Hubs in each Local Government Council, which will house:
   - Fiber and radio internet connectivity
   - 500,000-litre underground water storage facility
   - Robotics, artificial intelligence, and technology transfer laboratories
   - E-libraries and interactive digital tools for people with special needs and education
   - Digital content production and education television studios
   - Workspace with infrastructure services for tech visitors and co-location services
   - Digital learning and smart classroom interactive digital whiteboards
   - 450 smart configured learning tablets for children
   - Four sets of computer-based testing (CBT) centers with a total of 1,000 computers with a smart automation system with training of 46,000 youths in IT and  digital skills yearly.  

Consequently, the Chairman of the Implementation Committee and the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, Mni, resigned his position as Chairman to pave the way for the smooth operation of the company by its Board of Directors.

The Honourable Commissioner further revealed that the company would significantly contribute to the general automation of the civil service, which would help in monitoring the attendance of Benue workers through platforms introduced by the company.

In conclusion, the Honourable Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. Kwaghgba Amande, commended and expressed his profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his genuine heart and sincerity in allowing such a magnificent milestone to be achieved.

Tyover Gabriel 
Special Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner on Media/Public Affairs