The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, on Thursday attended the flag-off of the State-Level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) Initiative, organised in partnership with the United Kingdom Government.

The event, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, attracted government officials, representatives of the United Kingdom, private-sector operators, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in the digital ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, Abia State Governor, Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, said his administration had made technology a central part of its development strategy, noting that digital systems were increasingly important drivers of productivity and economic growth.

Otti said the administration had established the Office of the Chief Information Officer and introduced several initiatives aimed at leveraging technology to create jobs, reduce administrative costs, improve turnaround time and strengthen public service delivery.

The governor highlighted the TechRise Skills Acquisition Programme, which he said had trained more than 2,200 young people in various ICT skills. He also mentioned TechAbia, Abia Digisky and the Girls ICT Programme as part of the state’s digital development initiatives.

Otti further identified the Abia State Right-of-Way Policy, Abia State Startup Law, ₦2 billion Startup Support Fund and ₦306 million Nkata Technology Enabling Business Grant as key interventions aimed at strengthening the state’s technology ecosystem and supporting innovators and technology-focused businesses.

The governor expressed appreciation to the British Government for its continued partnership with Abia, saying the SPRIRET initiative would provide an opportunity to assess existing structures, strengthen the state’s digital framework and attract further investment and employment to the sector.

The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Jonny Baxter, said the United Kingdom was pleased to partner with Abia State, noting that digital transformation could improve public services, create economic opportunities and enhance the effectiveness of government.

Baxter also stressed the need for collaboration among government, the private sector, civil society, academia and other stakeholders in developing sustainable digital solutions.

The Chief Information Officer to the Abia State Government, Mr Gerald Ilukwe, said the SPRIRET initiative would provide an evidence-based assessment of the state’s digital transformation ecosystem.

He said the assessment would cover areas including digital accessibility, infrastructure, civic technology, policy frameworks and institutional capacity.

Ilukwe noted that Abia had already recorded progress in digital transformation across government operations, public service delivery, statewide connectivity and ICT skills development. He, however, emphasised the need for sustained investment and a whole-of-government approach to digital transformation.

In his vote of thanks, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, said the administration remained committed to doing what was right for Abia and its people.

He described digital technology as a major opportunity to bridge the digital divide and expand access to economic and social opportunities.

The SPRIRET initiative is supported by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through its Digital Access Programme.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening state-level policies, regulations and institutions that support sustainable and inclusive digital transformation in Abia State.