Katsina To Bebefit From $10bn FG’s Innovation Hubs – Minister
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani says Katsina State is among the ten states shortlisted to benefit from the $10 billion Federal Innovation Hub.
“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.
The minister, who made this known when Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Monday, also said five of the next 60 satellite-based internet sites under the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) will be deployed to Katsina.
On this, Governor Radda requested that one of the sites be connected to the new model schools built by his administration, and the minister approved instatly, saying “we’ll connect it next week through NICOMSAT to provide 24-hour internet access.”
He acknowledged the efforts of the Katsina ICT Directorate in supporting the Federal Government’s Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, adding that the ministry plan to scale up 3MTT training in Katsina “so participants can later use the new innovation hub as their base”.
“Your Excellency, Katsina has been a strong supporter of our programmes, and we will continue to partner closely with you.”
Dr. Tijani commended Governor Radda for his proactive leadership and described Katsina as one of Nigeria’s most promising innovation hub.
He praised the Katsina State Government for granting free Right-of-Way to broadband investors to encourage private sector participation.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Faruk Yabo, thanked Governor Radda for the visit, saying several projects are already in the pipeline for Katsina.
“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 prioritized,” he said.
He assured that the Ministry will continue to collaborate with Katsina to strengthen digital infrastructure, training, and inclusive innovation across all sectors.
Earlier, Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing digital transformation across the state.
He hailed the Federal Government’s broadband and innovation agenda as “a defining step toward building a smarter and connected Nigeria,” of which Katsina State will deepen collaboration on broadband expansion, digital infrastructure, and innovation.
Radda described Dr. Tijani as a dependable partner and reaffirmed Katsina’s readiness to align fully with federal goverment’s digital programmes.
He explained that the state has made ICT a major governance priority, and has created a Directorate of ICT, trained its workforce to be ICT-compliant so as to reduce paperwork, and advance digital governance.
The governor recalled the successful Katsina Tech Festival where young innovators were discovered and sponsored abroad for advance training.
He revealed that the state has granted free Right-of-Way to broadband investors, in order to improve internet connectivity across key institutions and facilities, including hospitals and ICT centers.
Radda, however, called for the extension of broadband infrastructure to rural areas.
“We have community development 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 Economic Zone. Our goal is to make Katsina a northern hub for innovation,” he added.
“We’re ready to work together and even commit our own funds to make these projects succeed.”
