Katsina renews digital partnership with FG, to host federal innovation hub

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to advancing digital transformation across the state, describing the Federal Government’s broadband and innovation agenda as “a defining step toward building a smarter and connected Nigeria.”

Join the Premium Times WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.

Open in WhatsApp

Mr Radda stated this on Monday during a visit to the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, in Abuja.

Mr minister said Katsina is among the states shortlisted to host federal innovation hubs.

The visit, according to the governor, was aimed at deepening Katsina’s collaboration with the federal government on broadband expansion, digital infrastructure, and innovation development.

Stay Ahead with Premium Times

Add as a preferred source on Google

He said the visit was also to personally thank the Minister for his continuous support to Katsina. “When you were appointed Minister, you visited Katsina twice within your first month. That showed your sincerity and true passion for national development.

Since then, I’ve followed your work closely and seen your genuine commitment to Nigeria’s digital and renewable agenda,” Mr Radda said.

Governor Radda described Mr Tijani as a dependable partner and reaffirmed Katsina’s readiness to align fully with federal digital programmes. The governor explained that his administration has made ICT one of its major governance priorities.

“We created a Directorate of ICT led by a young and competent professional, trained our workforce to be ICT-compliant, reduced paperwork, and advanced digital governance. Our Treasury Single Account (TSA) is already 85 percent completed,” he noted.

The governor recalled the successful Katsina Tech Festival where young innovators were discovered and sponsored abroad for advanced training. He also revealed that the state has granted free right-of-way to broadband investors, which has improved internet connectivity across key institutions including the Government House, Secretariat, Assembly, hospitals, and ICT centres. However, he emphasised the need to extend broadband to rural areas.

“We have community committees in every ward, but they need reliable internet to connect with government programmes. That’s why we’re seeking your support to expand broadband to all local government areas,” he said.

Governor Radda also requested Katsina’s inclusion among states hosting National Innovation Hubs. “We’ve passed a State Digital Policy and created a Digital Economy Zone. Our goal is to make Katsina a northern hub for innovation,” he added.

The Governor pledged full cooperation and partnership with the Ministry, saying: “We’re ready to work together and even commit our own funds to make these projects succeed.”

In his remarks, Mr Tijani commended Governor Radda for his proactive leadership and described Katsina as one of Nigeria’s most promising innovation states.

“What many people don’t know is that Katsina came very close to producing the Director-General of one of our key digital agencies. that shows how connected your state is to our vision,” Mr Tijani said. He praised Katsina for granting free right-of-way to broadband investors, which encouraged private sector participation.

The minister announced that Katsina has been shortlisted among ten states selected to host new federal innovation hubs. “This hub, worth about $10 billion, is one of the best designed so far. With your support, Insha’Allah, construction will begin before the end of next year,” he said.

He also revealed that five of the next 60 satellite-based internet sites under the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) will be deployed to Katsina.

Governor Radda requested that one of the sites be connected to the new model schools in Katsina. The minister immediately approved the idea, saying, “We’ll connect it next week through NICOMSAT to provide 24-hour internet access.” Mr Tijani further acknowledged the efforts of the Katsina ICT Directorate in supporting the Federal Government’s 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent) programme.

“We plan to scale up 3MTT training in Katsina so participants can later use the new innovation hub as their base,” Mr Tijani said. He assured that Katsina remains a top priority for the Ministry, noting: “Your Excellency, Katsina has been a strong supporter of our programmes, and we will continue to partner closely with you.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Faruk Yabo, thanked Governor Radda for the visit, saying several projects are already in the pipeline for Katsina State.

“Katsina is very dear to us. not out of bias but merit. The plans are almost finalized; what’s left now is approval and funding, which the minister has already prioritised,” he said. He assured that the Ministry would continue to collaborate with Katsina to strengthen digital infrastructure, training, and inclusive innovation across all sectors.

In attendance were heads of many parastatals under the Ministry of Communications, innovations and Digital Economy. The Governor was accompanied on the visit by his Principal Private Secretary, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, The Spacial Adviser Intergovernmental Affiars and Development Partners Mrs Hadiza Maikudi and Shamsu Sule, Board member of the North West Development Commission.