Katsina State has taken a major step in its digital transformation journey as Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on Wednesday commissioned the new Katsina Metropolitan Area Fibre Network and an Independent Solar Power Plant two landmark projects.
Th projects are expected to expand access to high-speed internet, strengthen governance automation, and drive youth-focused economic opportunities across the State.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.
The statement reads partly: “Digital is the way forward, and Katsina will not be left behind.
“The fibre network will expand access to fast and reliable internet, enabling young men and women to leverage technology for education, entrepreneurship, remote work and digital inclusion.
“This project was made possible through a single strategic policy — the waiver of Right of Way charges — which attracted over ₦4 billion worth of fibre-optic infrastructure across the Katsina metropolis.
“The world has moved. Katsina will not only move with it — we will lead.”
According to the statement, the commissioning took place at the KATDICT Centre shortly after the successful InvestKatsina Economic Summit, marking what the Governor described as “a decisive push to digitalise and modernise governance in Katsina.”
Governor Radda said the 25-kilometre fibre network serves as the backbone for his administration’s “One Government Enterprise Vision,” which aims to automate all public service processes and allow residents to access government services with a single click.
He said northern Nigeria had historically lagged in technology adoption, stressing that deliberate government intervention was now required to boost digital competitiveness and unlock opportunities for young people across the region.
Radda commended IHS Towers for partnering with the State Government on both the fibre deployment and the solar plant, which he said will guarantee uninterrupted power to the digital infrastructure.
He also announced plans to extend free internet access to all 34 local government headquarters.
He added that each LGA would host at least one Digital Touchpoint Centre to improve e-governance, enhance internet availability, and provide young people with access to high-speed connectivity.
The Governor also emphasised the role of digital infrastructure in economic expansion, innovation and service delivery, saying the newly commissioned facilities cement Katsina’s ambition to become a national hub for technology investment.
At the event, the Director-General of KATDICT, Naufal Ahmed, highlighted that strong policy decisions were the backbone of Katsina’s emerging innovation ecosystem. He noted that Katsina is the first sub-national in Nigeria to adopt and pass the Startup and Innovation Bill.
Ahmed said the State’s digital market opened rapidly after Governor Radda waived Right of Way charges, enabling infrastructure valued at more than ₦4.7 billion to be deployed at no cost to the government. He added that investors such as IHS and MTN are now showing increased interest in the State.
He further stated that discussions were underway on a Dig Once Policy, which would reduce the cost of fibre deployment by up to 70 per cent through shared underground ducts, avoiding repeated road excavation.
The DG stressed that technology has become one of Nigeria’s strongest economic drivers, contributing more than 14 per cent of the nation’s GDP. He said Katsina is now well-positioned to lead in digital skills, innovation, and youth empowerment.
Senior government officials present included the Commissioner for Commerce and Tourism, Hon Yusuf Jirdede, the Economic Adviser, Khalil Nura Khalil, and other top aides.
