Katsina State has taken a bold step toward driving innovation and entrepreneurship, becoming the first sub-national government in Nigeria to fully domesticate and institutionalise the Startup Law.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda announced this on Thursday during the inauguration of the Katsina State Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Government House, Katsina. He said the initiative is a major milestone in the state’s vision to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem and position Katsina as a hub for technology-driven growth.
To support the implementation of the Startup Law, Radda revealed that the state has set up a Startup Grants and Investment Fund with a guaranteed minimum of ₦250 million annually. The fund, he explained, will help innovative businesses grow, scale, and compete in both local and international markets.
“The Katsina Startup Law is not just another policy document; it is an engine for growth,” the governor said. “It provides a solid framework to create an enabling environment, streamline regulations, promote research and development, support incubation and acceleration, and connect startups with investment and markets.”
He added that the establishment of the new council aligns with his administration’s broader goals of modernising governance, diversifying the economy, creating jobs, and promoting shared prosperity across the state’s 34 local government areas.
According to Radda, this innovation drive has already led to the creation of key institutions such as the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (KATDICT) and the Katsina Development and Management Board (KDMB), both of which are crucial to advancing the state’s technology and digital transformation agenda.
The governor also highlighted the growing significance of Nigeria’s ICT sector, which currently contributes about 18 percent to the national GDP, stressing that Katsina must play an active role in shaping the nation’s digital future.
“Katsina must not stand behind; we must lead,” Radda said. “We are sending a clear message that this state is ready to build a strong innovation economy capable of nurturing globally competitive startups and creating meaningful jobs for our youth.”
The move positions Katsina as a model for other Nigerian states seeking to harness technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation as drivers of inclusive economic growth.
