The Katsina State Government is expanding fibre-optic connectivity across the state to improve access to reliable and affordable digital services for households, businesses and public institutions.
The development formed part of discussions at a one-day sensitisation workshop on fibre-optic deployment to consumers, held in Katsina.
The workshop was organised by the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), in collaboration with the State Urban and Regional Planning Board (URPB) and the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (KATDICT).
The engagement was aimed at creating awareness of fibre-optic deployment, identifying investment opportunities and addressing challenges associated with extending connectivity to consumers.
Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmad, said the administration recognised digital connectivity as a key enabler of economic growth, innovation, job creation and improved public service delivery.
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He stressed the importance of collaboration between government and private-sector operators in accelerating the development of digital infrastructure and extending broadband services to more residents.
The Deputy Governor also encouraged telecommunications operators, internet service providers and other investors to explore opportunities in the state, assuring them of the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for digital infrastructure investment.
The Director-General of KIPA, Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur-Jikamshi, said the workshop was part of efforts to translate the state’s investment in fibre-optic infrastructure into wider consumer access.
He said the engagement provided an opportunity for relevant government agencies, telecommunications operators, internet service providers, regulators and other stakeholders to examine opportunities along the fibre-optic value chain.
Tukur-Jikamshi identified last-mile connectivity as a major priority, particularly in extending fibre-optic services to businesses, institutions and households across the state’s local government areas.
He described reliable digital connectivity as critical infrastructure for attracting investment, improving business competitiveness, promoting innovation and supporting economic development.
The Director-General said expanding access to fibre-optic services would strengthen Katsina’s digital economy and create opportunities for businesses and young people to participate more actively in technology-driven economic activities.
He assured investors and service providers of KIPA’s continued support through investment facilitation, coordination with relevant government agencies and efforts to address administrative and regulatory challenges affecting digital infrastructure development.
The workshop also provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss practical measures for improving fibre deployment, strengthening coordination and ensuring that available infrastructure translates into meaningful connectivity for end users.
