Problem Statements for States and Sectors
The problem statements were developed through desk research and input from the government, private sector, CSOs, sector experts and innovation hubs to reflect the current state of the sectors in the selected states and pave the way for targeted solutions and impactful interventions.
Akwa Ibom State
– Tourism
Akwa Ibom has the longest natural sand beach in West Africa, the Ibeno beach which stretches over 45 kilometres from Ibeno to James Town along the Atlantic Coastline. The state has the Ibom tropical rainforest encompassing an estimated area of 2,700 square kilometres a captivating natural treasure trove filled with biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes.
The state is home to colonial-era architecture, such as the famous Opobo River Craft Market in Ikot Abasi, historical landmarks including the Old Residency Museum, showcasing the region’s history and cultural evolution, the amalgamation house, the bridge of no return a landmark that is a reminder of the slave trade era, Lord Lugard’s house, Mary Slessor’s office and residence. As well as a state Museum located in Uyo which houses artifacts, artworks, and historical relics that showcases the traditions, beliefs, and history of the people.
Akwa Ibom also has a vibrant cultural tapestry woven with diverse traditions, languages, and artistic expressions which is evident in their annual festivals, culinary delight and warm hospitality.
Challenges
1. Limited Tourism Awareness: People in Akwa Ibom lack awareness and benefits of tourism in the city and how it can boost the economy of the state.
2. Few Accommodation Choices: Akwa Ibom mostly has city hotels, with few cheap options or interesting places to stay for different types of tourists.
3. Lack of Marketing: Akwa Ibom doesn’t advertise itself well as a place to visit, so many tourists don’t know about its attractions.
.
Kwara State
– Creative Economy
Nigeria’s creative sector is an economic driver, according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the sector contributed 2.54% to the national GDP in the second quarter of 2023. The creative sector fosters a positive global perception of Nigeria, attracting investments and tourism. Nollywood’s global reach and the international acclaim of Nigerian music artists project a powerful image of Nigeria’s cultural richness, the film industry, Nollywood, remains a powerhouse and is projected to reach over $1 billion in export revenue by 2026.
Kwara State is laying a strong foundation with its ongoing focus on the creative sector, including the Sugar Film Factory project. By continuing to invest in infrastructure, skills development, and fostering collaboration, Kwara can unlock its full potential and become a hub for creativity in Nigeria.
Challenges
1. Unserved Needs: Kwara state creative sector lacks essential support:
- Legal guidance: Copyright, contracts, and brand management require specialized legal assistance, and this is lacking in the industry.
- Strategic marketing: Reaching target audiences and navigating advertising platforms require specific skills.
2. Financing Hurdles: Traditional financial institutions struggle to cater to creatives due to:
- Unconventional income: Irregular income streams make loan qualification difficult.
- Project-based work: Rigid loan structures don’t reflect the nature of creative work.
- Intangible assets: Traditional institutions undervalue intellectual property of creative endeavours.
3. Infrastructure Gap:
- Limited workspaces: Absence of dedicated creative workspaces hinders collaboration and access to shared resources.
- Equipment constraints: Many creatives lack the resources to invest in crucial equipment and software.
Kaduna State
– Agriculture
Agriculture in Kaduna state is the largest source of revenue for the state accounting for about 38.09% of the state’s GDP and employs more than 42% of the workforce across 1.8 million households, according to Kaduna state Bureau of statistics.
Kaduna boasts over 3.4 million hectares of arable land, a massive area primed for cultivation. From tomatoes and ginger to groundnuts and soybeans, Kaduna’s fertile grounds support a wide range of crops and livestock production reducing dependence on single sources. The state produces major crops such as maize, yam, rice, guinea corn, soya beans and peanut. While the state is the largest producer of maize (7.4%) and ginger (76.4%) in Nigeria, agricultural production has remained small-scale at subsistence level and largely dependent on rainfall.
Challenges
- Knowledge Gap on Climate Change:
- Limited awareness about climate-resilient practices hinders adaptation to changing weather patterns.
- Farmers struggle to prepare for extreme weather events due to a lack of knowledge about early warning systems and mitigation strategies.
- Informed decision-making on land management, resource allocation, and sustainable practices is restricted because of lack of information.
2. Limited Digital Access:
- Inability to access online resources, weather forecasts, and market updates restricts informed decision-making.
- Adoption of modern farming techniques, pest control strategies, and improved seeds is hampered.
- Connection to wider markets and potential buyers through digital platforms is limited.
3. Financial Constraints:
- Restricted access to essential financial resources hinders investment in crucial inputs such as high-quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and equipment.
Anambra State
– Commerce
Anambra State has one of the largest markets in West Africa the Onitsha Main Market, Onitsha acts as a magnet for traders across Nigeria and beyond, making it a central point for commerce. The market encompasses various individual markets spread throughout the city and surrounding areas, forming a vast network.
Estimates suggest a staggering 2 million traders and support staff, contribute to Onitsha’s position as Nigeria’s second most densely populated city after Lagos.Onitsha caters to a wide range of needs, offering a vast array of goods like textiles, electronics, foodstuffs, and much more. The market witnesses an impressive 5 million daily visits, leading to over 12 million transactions. Onitsha’s annual trade volume surpasses $3 billion, with a significant portion (around 40%) involving informal transactions. Onitsha has one of the highest GDPs in Nigeria.
Despite the huge potential, a large portion of commerce in Anambra State operates within the informal sector, and these informal businesses often face difficulties in expanding their operations and complying with government regulations.
Challenges
- Digital Divide:
- Limited data access: High cost of mobile data plans and internet access restricts essential activities such as market research, marketing campaigns, and customer behaviour analysis.
- Digital illiteracy: Lack of digital literacy hinders the ability of MSMEs to fully utilize data-driven strategies for growth, putting them at a disadvantage compared to larger corporations.
2. Low Trust in Digital Payments:
- A significant portion of small businesses hesitate to adopt digital payment platforms due to lack of trust, hindering the widespread adoption of these technologies.
3. Complex Cross-Border Expansion:
- Logistical hurdles: Complex logistics, inefficient transportation infrastructure, and limited cross-border collaboration create delays and increase costs for businesses seeking to expand into other African markets.
- Varying regulations: Inconsistent regulations across countries pose additional challenges for businesses operating across borders.
Ekiti State
– Healthcare
Health care is integral to the sustainable development goals, the call to end poverty will not be achievable without the universal access to healthcare for all. The Ekiti state strategic health development plan states that good health is essential for a country’s development. Strong health systems lead to better overall progress.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes three goals for health systems: better health for everyone, fairness in who pays for healthcare and respect for people’s dignity and privacy
Good health paves the way for sustainable development and is also a benefit of it. Everyone deserves the highest level of health, which is a fundamental human right. Good health allows people to contribute more to society and the economy. However, unequal access to healthcare remains a problem. Wealthy and educated people have better access than the poor, who often need it most. This is a major obstacle to achieving health goals set by the United Nations.
Challenges
- Unsustainable Financing Model:
- Limited access to quality care: Insufficient funding restricts the availability of essential equipment, medication, and qualified personnel.
- Unequal healthcare access: Disparities that negatively impact vulnerable populations.
- Hindered health outcomes: Preventive measures and emergency response are inadequate.
2. Fragmented Medical Records:
- Ineffective patient care: Lack of complete medical history hinders diagnosis, treatment plans, and continuity of care.
- Resource mismanagement: Inefficient allocation due to unavailable past medical data leads to unnecessary spending.
- Weakened public health: Fragmented data impedes disease outbreak tracking, risk population identification, and effective interventions.
3. Weak Community Engagement in Emergencies:
- Limited public awareness: Basic knowledge about first aid, emergency protocols, and available resources is lacking.
- Unprepared communities: Absence of training programs and emergency drills hinders swift and effective response during emergencies.
- Unsustainable initiatives: Lack of centralized coordination jeopardizes the long-term effectiveness of community engagement efforts.
.
Lagos State
– Financial Inclusion
74% of adults in Nigeria have access to formal financial services, about 3 in 5 adults are financially included and financial exclusion has reduced by 10% from 2020. Despite this progress, 1 in 4 Nigerian adults remain financially excluded according to the ‘2023 Access to Finance’ survey conducted by Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA). Although Lagos state has one of the highest levels of banking penetration there are still challenges plaguing financial inclusion in the state
Financial inclusion could potentially position residents in Lagos to access credit, save for the future, and build financial security, which can empower millions according to World Bank Global Findex. Financial inclusion will enable women to take charge as more women will control their finances, potentially boosting entrepreneurship and economic activity. And mobile money and digital wallets will take centre stage, leading to faster, more secure transactions ( EFInA).
Challenges
- Distrust in Digital Finance: Digital finance is hard to trust because people worry about hackers, scams and not understanding how it works. This makes many people avoid using the platforms and services.
2. Limited Access for Low-Income Residents: Lack of formal identification, high bank charges, and minimum balance requirements make it difficult for low-income individuals to participate in the formal financial system.
3. Financial Illiteracy: A significant portion of the population lacks the knowledge to comprehend financial products, make informed decisions, and develop sound financial habits.
Borno State
– Energy
A study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicts that by 2050, Nigeria has the potential to rely on renewable energy sources to meet 60% of its energy needs, leading to a significant decrease in the dependence on fossil fuel. The report suggests a potential 65% drop in oil demand and a 40% reduction in natural gas demand by 2050. Additionally, the study predicts a steady rise in renewables, reaching 47% by 2030 and 57% by 2040.
Borno receives exceptional sunshine throughout the year and over 54% of Borno’s landmass is suitable for large-scale solar farms, meaning that the state could potentially host solar installations. It is estimated that by 2050, the energy transition could create up to 1.8 million jobs in Nigeria across various renewable energy sectors, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Challenges:
- Renewable energy infrastructure and Development:
- Lack of access and resources to build solar farms to maximize energy output.
- Limited knowledge and awareness on energy solutions such as solar installation, energy marketplace and consultation services.
2. Access to Tailored Finance:
- Absence of readily available tailored loans, grants, and collaborative efforts to subsidize energy solutions and encourage adoption and sustainability.
3. Unstable Environment:
- Access to energy efficient and sustainable shelter solutions for temporary settlements and low-income house holds.
- Attacks on power lines and infrastructure by insurgent groups can disrupt electricity supply and discourage investment in the sector.
Problem Statements for States and Sectors
The problem statements were developed through desk research and input from the government, private sector, CSOs, sector experts and innovation hubs to reflect the current state of the sectors in the selected states and pave the way for targeted solutions and impactful interventions.
Akwa Ibom State
– Tourism
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) “Nigerian Domestic Tourism Survey Report 2021”, domestic tourism contributed ₦2.3 trillion (around $5.4 billion) to the GDP. Akwa Ibom, with its attractions, could potentially hold a share of this market for several reasons. Tourism contributes an estimated 15% to the state’s GDP and the state possesses a unique blend of natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural experiences that can position it to grow that revenue. The state has the longest natural sand beach in West Africa, the Ibeno beach which stretches over 45 kilometres from Ibeno to James Town along the Atlantic Coastline.
The state has the Ibom tropical rainforest encompassing an estimated area of 2,700 square kilometres a captivating natural treasure trove filled with biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. The state is home to colonial-era architecture, such as the famous Opobo River Craft Market in Ikot Abasi, historical landmarks including the Old Residency Museum, showcasing the region’s history and cultural evolution, the amalgamation house, the bridge of no return a landmark that is a reminder of the slave trade era, Lord Lugard’s house, Mary Slessor’s office and residence. As well as a state Museum located in Uyo which houses artifacts, artworks, and historical relics that showcases the traditions, beliefs, and history of the people.
Akwa Ibom also has a vibrant cultural tapestry woven with diverse traditions, languages, and artistic expressions which is evident in their annual festivals, culinary delight and warm hospitality.
Challenges
- Low Tourism Awareness: Akwa Ibom lacks public consciousness of its tourism potential, hindering its economic development in this sector.
Limited Accommodation infrastructure: The state offers a narrow range of mostly urban hotels, lacking budget options and innovative lodging solutions for diverse tourist preferences.
Fragmented Stakeholder Engagement: A lack of collaboration between government, individuals, communities, and private businesses restricts effective problem-solving and hinders maximizing the tourism industry’s potential.
Kwara State
– Creative Economy
Nigeria’s creative sector is an economic driver, according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the sector contributed 2.54% to the national GDP in the second quarter of 2023. The creative sector fosters a positive global perception of Nigeria, attracting investments and tourism. Nollywood’s global reach and the international acclaim of Nigerian music artists project a powerful image of Nigeria’s cultural richness, the film industry, Nollywood, remains a powerhouse and is projected to reach over $1 billion in export revenue by 2026.
Kwara state is home to established artists, actors, and filmmakers who contribute to the creative scenes and the state is positioning itself as a significant player in the creative sector, the state government has invested in the Ilorin Innovation Hub and Visual Arts Centre, providing a platform for filmmakers, artists, and creatives with facilities like a Dolby Atmos certified studio and post-production suites to thrive.
Challenges
- Unserved Needs: Kwara state creative sector lacks essential support:
- Legal guidance: Copyright, contracts, and brand management require specialized legal assistance, and this is lacking in the industry.
- Strategic marketing: Reaching target audiences and navigating advertising platforms require specific skills.
2. Financing Hurdles: Traditional financial institutions struggle to cater to creatives due to:
- Unconventional income: Irregular income streams make loan qualification difficult.
- Project-based work: Rigid loan structures don’t reflect the nature of creative work.
- Intangible assets: Traditional institutions undervalue intellectual property of creative endeavours.
3. Infrastructure Gap:
- Limited workspaces: Absence of dedicated creative workspaces hinders collaboration and access to shared resources.
- Equipment constraints: Many creatives lack the resources to invest in crucial equipment and software.
Kaduna State
– Agriculture
Kaduna is primarily an agrarian state, agriculture is the largest source of revenue for the state. With an estimated population of 9.02 million according to Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, 2019, the sector accounts for about 38.09% of the state’s GDP and employs more than 42% of the workforce across 1.8 million households, 77.5% of people living in the state are active farmers and most of whom are small-scale farmers according to Kaduna state Bureau of statistics.
The state has a large fertile land area that supports crop cultivation and livestock production hence, the sector is divided into four sub-activities: Crop Production, Livestock, Forestry and Fishing. The state produces major crops such as maize, yam, rice, guinea corn, soya beans and peanut. While the state is the largest producer of maize (7.4%) and ginger (76.4%) in Nigeria, agricultural production has remained small-scale at subsistence level and largely dependent on rainfall.
Challenges
1. Knowledge Gap on Climate Change:
- Limited awareness about climate-resilient practices hinders adaptation to changing weather patterns.
- Farmers struggle to prepare for extreme weather events due to a lack of knowledge about early warning systems and mitigation strategies.
- Informed decision-making on land management, resource allocation, and sustainable practices is restricted due to ignorance
2. Limited Digital Access:
- Inability to access online resources, weather forecasts, and market updates restricts informed decision-making.
- Adoption of modern farming techniques, pest control strategies, and improved seeds is hampered.
- Connection to wider markets and potential buyers through digital platforms is limited.
3. Financial Constraints:
- Restricted access to essential financial resources hinders investment in crucial inputs like high-quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and equipment.
Anambra State
– Commerce
Anambra State has one of the largest markets in West Africa the Onitsha Main Market, Onitsha acts as a magnet for traders across Nigeria and beyond, making it a central point for commerce. The market encompasses various individual markets spread throughout the city and surrounding areas, forming a vast network. Estimates suggest a staggering 2 million traders and support staff, contribute to Onitsha’s position as Nigeria’s second most densely populated city after Lagos.Onitsha caters to a wide range of needs, offering a vast array of goods like textiles, electronics, foodstuffs, and much more. The market witnesses an impressive 5 million daily visits, leading to over 12 million transactions. Onitsha’s annual trade volume surpasses $3 billion, with a significant portion (around 40%) involving informal transactions. Onitsha has one of the highest GDPs in Nigeria.
Despite the huge potential, a large portion of commerce in Anambra State operates within the informal sector, and these informal businesses often face difficulties in expanding their operations and complying with government regulations. Small businesses are faced with stiff competition from larger enterprises and informal traders. The shortage of skilled labour in certain industries, such as manufacturing and technology, poses a challenge to commerce in Anambra State. The mismatch between the skills demanded by employers and those possessed by the workforce can hinder productivity and innovation in the commercial sector.
Challenges
1. Digital Divide:
- Limited data access: High cost of mobile data plans and internet access restricts essential activities like market research, marketing campaigns, and customer behaviour analysis.
- Digital illiteracy: Lack of digital literacy hinders the ability of MSMEs to fully utilize data-driven strategies for growth, putting them at a disadvantage compared to larger corporations.
2. Low Trust in Digital Payments:
- A significant portion of small businesses hesitate to adopt digital payment platforms due to lack of trust, hindering the widespread adoption of these technologies.
3. Complex Cross-Border Expansion:
- Logistical hurdles: Complex logistics, inefficient transportation infrastructure, and limited cross-border collaboration create delays and increase costs for businesses seeking to expand into other African markets.
- Varying regulations: Inconsistent regulations across countries pose additional challenges for businesses operating across borders.
Ekiti State
– Healthcare
Ekiti’s healthcare system is delivered through a robust network of primary healthcare facilities which is spread across 16 local government areas, these 294 primary health centres have a total of 4261 health workers across the state. The state boasts of 18 secondary and 2 tertiary healthcare facilities which provides specialized care and referrals for complex cases in the state according to the Public and Private development centre.
As stipulated by the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978, all the wards in the Ekiti State have a primary health care facility and these PHCs cover maternal and child health care in addition to common diseases like HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis according to ResearchGate. The Primary Health Centres (PHCs) provide essential medical services to people in rural and urban areas.
The Primary health centres provide preventive and promotive healthcare which involves vaccinations, health education campaigns, and disease screening to prevent illness. Curative services for treatment of common illnesses and injuries. Maternal and child health care including antenatal care, delivery assistance, and postnatal care for mothers and their newborns. As well as family planning services, offering information and resources for family planning methods.
Challenges
1. Unsustainable Financing Model:
- Limited access to quality care: Insufficient funding restricts the availability of essential equipment, medication, and qualified personnel.
- Unequal healthcare access: Disparities that negatively impact vulnerable populations.
- Hindered health outcomes: Preventive measures and emergency response are inadequate.
2. Fragmented Medical Records:
- Ineffective patient care: Lack of complete medical history hinders diagnosis, treatment plans, and continuity of care.
- Resource mismanagement: Inefficient allocation due to unavailable past medical data leads to unnecessary spending.
- Weakened public health: Fragmented data impedes disease outbreak tracking, risk population identification, and effective interventions.
3. Weak Community Engagement in Emergencies:
- Limited public awareness: Basic knowledge about first aid, emergency protocols, and available resources is lacking.
- Unprepared communities: Absence of training programs and emergency drills hinders swift and effective response during emergencies.
- Unsustainable initiatives: Lack of centralized coordination jeopardizes the long-term effectiveness of community engagement efforts.
Lagos State
– Financial Inclusion
74% of adults in Nigeria have access to formal financial services, about 3 in 5 adults are financially included and financial exclusion has reduced by 10% from 2020. Despite this progress, 1 in 4 Nigerian adults remain financially excluded according to the ‘2023 Access to Finance’ survey conducted by Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA).
According to Central Bank of Nigeria, Lagos state has one of the highest levels of banking penetration in the country. There is 81% financial inclusion penetration in Lagos state and many residents have access to formal banking services, including savings accounts, loans, and other financial products. Despite the progress there are still challenges plaguing financial inclusion in Lagos state.
Challenges
1. Distrust in Digital Finance: Fear of data breaches, scams, and lack of understanding of how these services work leads individuals to avoid using them.
2. Limited Access for Low-Income Residents: Lack of formal identification, high bank charges, and minimum balance requirements make it difficult for low-income individuals to participate in the formal financial system.
3. Financial Illiteracy: A significant portion of the population lacks the knowledge to comprehend financial products, make informed decisions, and develop sound financial habits.
Borno State
– Energy
55 percent of Nigeria’s 200 million citizens had access to grid electricity in 2020 according to World Bank. Even those with access to electricity constantly rely on personal generators to bridge the gap due to frequent shortages. In the Northeast geopolitical region (NE), inhabited by 27 million people, only 16% of the population can access grid electricity. The region grapples with the dual challenge of extremely low grid access and meagre daily electricity provision; with connected individuals receiving only 5 hours of supply, the lowest nationwide.
Renewable energy sources in northeastern Nigeria include solar energy, Wind energy and thermal (Geothermal) energy, Biomass according to International Journal of Sustainable and Green Energy. The vast renewable energy resources within Nigeria hold the promise of alleviating poverty and catalysing sustainable development once fully utilized. Moreover, Nigerian Journal of Technology (NIJOTECH) stated in their article Current Status and Outlook of Renewable Energy Development in Nigeria that the exploitation of renewable energy resources in the northeast geopolitical region has the potential to not only fulfil the energy needs of the region but also extend its benefits to other areas.
Challenges:
1. Lack of structured financing mechanisms: Absence of readily available loan options or financing schemes tailored specifically for renewable energy projects.
2. Unstable environment: The ongoing conflict in the state creates a significant hurdle.
- Investor apprehension: Unstable security discourages private investment due to safety risks and potential damage to infrastructure.
- Limited workforce mobility: Security concerns restrict the movement of skilled personnel needed for installation and maintenance.
3. Policy Implementation Gaps:
- National Policy Focus: Federal renewable energy policies might not fully address the specific needs and challenges of Borno due to a broader national focus.
- Local Policy Development: Limited capacity at the state level to develop and implement effective renewable energy policies tailored to Borno’s context.
Last reviewed March 18th, 2024