Niger State Governor-elect, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has expressed his firm commitment to leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to drive economic growth and strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the state.
Bago made this promise during the launch of Labspace, a new innovation and tech hub in Minna aimed at promoting digital entrepreneurship. Highlighting the strategic role of ICT in economic transformation, he emphasized that his administration will prioritize the sector as a tool for youth empowerment, job creation, and business scalability.
“Private enterprise, with strategic government support, is the engine of economic progress,” Bago stated. “We are committed to building an enabling environment where tech startups and SMEs can thrive.”
He noted that in 2022 alone, the ICT sector contributed ₦21.15 trillion to Nigeria’s GDP, illustrating the untapped potential for regional growth through technology. To unlock this potential, Bago promised to tackle infrastructure challenges, simplify regulatory processes, and attract investment to strengthen Niger State’s emerging tech ecosystem.
Labspace founder, Abdulkadir Lapai, described the hub as a launchpad for innovation, collaboration, and talent development in the region. He also emphasized a focus on inclusivity, particularly encouraging more women to participate in the ICT space.
“We envision a space where talent, ideas, and innovation converge to drive digital transformation,” Lapai said.
The launch also featured a panel session titled “The Future of Tech in Northern Nigeria,” where experts highlighted pressing obstacles facing regional startups — such as limited access to capital, slow tech adoption among SMEs, and persistent doubts about startup sustainability.
To address these issues, Lapai revealed Labspace’s roadmap, which includes:
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Ideation workshops and training sessions
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Tech festivals and virtual events
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Social media campaigns to foster community engagement
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A performance tracking system for startups
He emphasized the importance of supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and helping them scale efficiently through mentorship and collaboration.
Among the startups showcased at the event were:
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Diary of Hackers – a cybersecurity network promoting digital safety;
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Bridgepay – a cross-border payment platform enabling international transactions in multiple currencies;
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Cendam – a logistics solution offering package tracking and dispute mediation services.
Wrapping up the event, Mustapha Ndajiwo, a member of the Niger State Transition Council, praised the initiative as a forward-thinking step toward building a digitally inclusive future for the state.
