By Emem Idio

A Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert, Dr Domor Mienye, has met with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance ,APGA, Barr Sly Ezeokenwa, to discuss strategies for advancing digital transformation, sustainable development, and diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth.

The high-level engagement, held in Abuja, focused on the role of emerging technologies, particularly AI and data systems, in strengthening governance, accelerating economic diversification, and unlocking opportunities across key regions, including coastal states such as Bayelsa.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr Mienye emphasised the need for a more structured and technology-driven approach to governance, noting that countries that successfully integrate data and AI into public sector systems are better positioned to deliver measurable development outcomes.

Dr Mienye, who has worked across financial institutions in South Africa and the United Kingdom, as well as within a United Nations-supported organisation, has also been recognised among the world’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier in 2024 and 2025.

He said: “Nigeria has a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional development constraints by embedding digital systems into governance. For regions such as Bayelsa, this means leveraging the blue economy, advancing energy transition initiatives, and building systems that support transparency, planning, and execution at scale.

Dr Mienye also highlighted the importance of diaspora engagement, noting that Nigerian professionals abroad represent a significant pool of knowledge, capital, and global experience that can be strategically harnessed for national development.

“There is a growing community of Nigerians in the diaspora with deep expertise across technology, finance, and policy. Creating structured pathways for their engagement can significantly accelerate innovation, investment, and institutional capacity within the country,” he added.

Dr Mienye added that such engagements are critical in aligning policy direction with global best practices, particularly in regions seeking to unlock new economic pathways.

In his remarks, the APGA  National Chairman, Barr Ezeokenwa, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to progressive governance and inclusive development, noting that innovation, youth engagement, and sustainability remain central to the party’s long-term vision.

His words: “As a party, we recognise the importance of embracing technology and innovation in governance. The future of Nigeria depends on how well we empower our youths, strengthen our institutions, and adopt forward-looking strategies that respond to global realities.

“There are vast opportunities in areas such as marine resources, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability. With the right policies and partnerships, these regions can become key drivers of economic growth.”

He further noted that coastal regions, including Bayelsa, hold significant potential for economic transformation through sustainable practices, particularly within the blue and green economy sectors.

The meeting also explored opportunities for sustained collaboration in areas such as digital governance frameworks, youth empowerment initiatives, innovation ecosystems, and policy development aligned with global best practices.

The engagement forms part of broader consultations aimed at advancing practical approaches to leveraging technology, diaspora capacity, and structured governance systems to support sustainable development across Nigerian states.