By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The European Union has concluded a three-year digital skills promotion programme aimed at advancing inclusive digital transformation and economic opportunity for women, hard-to-reach youth and persons with disabilities in Borno and Yobe states.
The programme’s closing ceremony, held in Maiduguri on 4 February 2026, brought together representatives of the European Union, implementing partners, civil society organisations and state government officials to review achievements and lessons learned.
Funded by the European Union with €750,000 and implemented by ZOA International from 2023 to 2026, the initiative targeted the reduction of the digital gender divide and broader digital exclusion in fragile, conflict-affected communities. It also focused on strengthening the capacity of grassroots civil society organisations across 30 communities in the two states.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca, said the programme demonstrated how inclusive, people-centred digital investments can deliver lasting impact.
“This project shows how well-targeted digital investments can empower communities, strengthen local institutions and support inclusive economic growth,” De Luca said, adding that the initiative aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which promotes practical digital transformation tailored to local realities.
He stressed that digital inclusion is critical in conflict-affected regions. “Digital inclusion is not a luxury; it is a necessity for resilience, innovation and meaningful participation in today’s economy,” he said, noting that access to digital skills is essential for stability and long-term recovery among marginalised groups.
De Luca further said the EU’s priority is to ensure that digital skills and infrastructure translate into economic value through job creation, viable enterprises and stronger local economies.
Presenting the programme’s results, ZOA Programme Manager, Godwin Dominic, said the initiative recorded significant outcomes across target communities.
“Over the course of implementation, the programme trained 18,193 individuals, established 32 IT hubs and supported the formation of a Digital Literacy Working Group to strengthen coordination and sustainability,” Dominic said. He added that six schools were also equipped with access to IT services, expanding opportunities for digital learning in Borno and Yobe states.
Representing the Borno State Government, the Executive Secretary of the Borno Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA), Engr. Mohammed Kabir Wanori, commended the programme for aligning with state development priorities and for expanding opportunities for women and youth.
As the initiative comes to an end, partners reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the digital infrastructure, skills and local capacity developed through the programme, with the aim of supporting inclusive economic participation and community resilience in North-East Nigeria.
