The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a $10 billion Innovation Hub in Katsina State as part of its broader digital economy strategy to drive inclusive growth, expand broadband access, and position Nigeria as a regional tech powerhouse.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed this when he received Governor Dikko Umaru Radda in Abuja. He explained that Katsina is among ten states selected to host the state-of-the-art facility, with construction expected to commence before the end of next year.
“Katsina is one of Nigeria’s most promising innovation states,” Tijani said. “With the support of Governor Radda, we are confident this project will accelerate digital growth in the North.”
The minister added that the hub would be one of the best-designed in the country and would serve as a catalyst for digital transformation, talent development, and entrepreneurship.
As part of the rollout, the state will receive five new satellite-based internet sites through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to boost broadband coverage, particularly in rural communities.
Governor Radda described the development as a major boost to Katsina’s digital reform agenda. “ICT is one of our top governance priorities,” he said. “We’ve created a Directorate of ICT, trained our workforce, reduced paperwork, and implemented a Treasury Single Account that’s already 85 percent completed.”
He noted that the state had granted free Right-of-Way (RoW) to broadband investors to enhance internet connectivity in public institutions, including the Government House, hospitals, schools, and ICT centres. He also requested that one of the satellite sites be connected to the state’s new model schools, a proposal Tijani approved immediately.
Tijani further revealed plans to scale up the federal Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme in Katsina, with the innovation hub serving as an operational base for participants.
Commending the state’s proactive approach, Tijani said Katsina’s active participation in digital projects nearly earned it the headship of one of the country’s key ICT agencies.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Faruk Yabo, praised the state’s strong collaboration with the federal government. “Katsina is very dear to us not out of sentiment, but merit,” he said. “Most of the plans have reached advanced stages, and the minister has already prioritised them for funding.”
The meeting, attended by senior Katsina officials, further cements the state’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading hubs for digital transformation and innovation.
