The Chairman of the Northern Nigeria Development Company (NNDC), Lamis Shehu Dikko, has called for a paradigm shift in tackling poverty across the northern region, stressing that only technology-driven development can deliver sustainable prosperity.
Dikko, who spoke while delivering a goodwill message at the Northern Nigeria Investment & Industrialization Summit held at Abuja, said the 19 northern states face deep socioeconomic challenges.
He noted that poverty rates remain alarming, with averages above 60 percent, and reaching over 80 percent in Zamfara and Sokoto, compared to about 30 percent in southern Nigeria.
Lamis Shehu Dikko explained that traditional development approaches have failed to reverse the trend, making new strategies urgent.
According to him, embedding technology, digital infrastructure, and innovation into every sector of development is central to breaking the cycle of poverty.
Dikko stressed that closing the digital divide must be the first step, as internet penetration in Nigeria stands at about 48 percent, but rural and northern regions still lag far behind, leaving over 60 million people offline.
Lamis Shehu Dikko warned that without action, the North risks exclusion from the $15.7 trillion global AI-driven economy projected by 2030.
On agriculture, which he described as the backbone of the region’s economy, Dikko said outdated practices have constrained productivity for decades.
He explained that digital agriculture, powered by drones, sensors, and AI-driven weather and satellite data analysis, could transform yields and incomes.
“These technologies help farmers optimize fertilizer and water use, predict pests or droughts, and significantly reduce losses,” he added.
He further identified energy poverty as a major setback to development, pointing out that unreliable power supply remains a huge barrier.
He advocated for investments in smart grid systems and renewable energy to improve distribution, minimize losses, and expand access to electricity.
Dikko emphasized that achieving this transformation would require visionary leadership, supportive policies, public-private partnerships, and inclusive digital literacy programmes.
He said empowering women and rural communities was also critical to prevent inequality.
He added that organizations like the NNDC are well-positioned to catalyze investment and policy advocacy for the region’s economic future.
PR: Adamu Yusuf
