Benue govt to generate N53B from digital infrastructure 

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

Benue state government has projected to generate N53 billion from digital electronic management system in the next three years.

The Managing Director/CEO, Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), Gbande Terwase, stated  this during his interaction with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council in Makurdi, Monday.

He explained that the digital infrastructure is providing three major ICT solutions including software, hardware and digital knowledge, stressing that the digital solutions would generate 100, 000 jobs next two to three years. 

According to him, BDIC, is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established by the State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to drive the State’s digital transformation agenda of the present administration.

He noted that since the formal approval of the  company in 17th July 2024 and it registration on 8th August 2024, BDIC has grown into a strategic institution at the heart of Benue’s modernization efforts.

“We have rolled out innovations transforming government, education, health, commerce, and security across the state through deployment of over 10 fully operational digital platforms, including Benue Geographic Information System (BENGIS), Benue Executive Document Management System (EDMS), powering the newly launched paperless Executive Council system.

“The Benue State Virtual Marketplace, Civil Service Management System, Integrated Revenue System, and e-Citizen Identity Registration System as well as web and enterprise platforms for MDAs including the Bureau for Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Justice, Public Service Institute, and Pension Administration while development of over 20 additional platforms are in progress.

“We are already into strategic partnerships with top institutions like Huawei Technologies, WIPO, UNDP, NITDA, NBC, NCC, NDPC, NPC, Digital Bridge Institute, and GITEX Global

“Investments in local digital hardware production exceeding $170,000, for the manufacturing of laptops, fingerprint scanners, tablets, smart projectors, and self-service kiosks is projected to generate over ₦6.6 billion in revenue and reduce digital hardware dependency.”

“In order to build capacity and talented in the state,  government has  launched the largest digital skills program in the history of Benue State, training 40,000 public servants across the State and Local Governments on the use of digital tools and e-governance platforms. 

“As of today, over 4,800 civil servants have been trained in areas such as ICT fundamentals, digital workflow systems, and enterprise platforms with weekly training numbers steadily increasing.

“Job Creation Vision is 100,000 Jobs in 3 Years. One of BDIC’s boldest and most urgent goals is job creation.Today, I am pleased to publicly announce BDIC’s commitment to create over 100,000 digital jobs across Benue State within the next three years, in alignment with the economic development vision of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

“These jobs will be created through digital outsourcing centers and gig work platforms for remote employment in areas like data labeling, digital customer service, and AI training, Start-up support and incubation hubs for tech-driven entrepreneurs and creatives, Local manufacturing of digital devices (computers, tablets, kiosks) to support IT hardware assembly and maintenance services, e-Commerce and smart agriculture platforms, enabling farmers and traders to access wider markets

He also stated that the government is training 23,000 youth (1,000 per LGA) through the ongoing 3MTT/BDIC Digital Skills Program, with pathways to employment and enterprise

“Through these and related programs, digital infrastructure will become a direct engine of employment, empowerment, and wealth creation in Benue.”

He called on the media to partner with BDIC, to enable it succeed in building a digital culture in the state.

“The digital revolution is no longer a distant future, it is our present reality. BDIC is here to ensure that Benue is not only part of this future but that we are among the leaders shaping it.

He expressed deep gratitude to Governor Alia for providing the enabling environment and visionary leadership for digital transformation while praising the journalists of Benue State ND the country for their commitment to truth, transparency, and democracy.