From Mu’awiya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA) has taken steps to expand fibre-optic connectivity to consumers across the state.
The initiative is aimed at improving access to reliable and affordable digital services for households, businesses and public institutions.
In an effort to achieve this objective, the agency organised a workshop in collaboration with the State Urban and Regional Planning Board (URPB) and the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (KATDICT).
The workshop was aimed at creating awareness about fibre-optic deployment, identifying investment opportunities and addressing challenges associated with extending connectivity to consumers.
Speaking while declaring the workshop open, the state Deputy Governor, Faruk Jobe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, 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.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between the 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.
Earlier, the Director-General of KIPA, Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur-Jikamshi, explained that the workshop was part of efforts to translate the state’s investment in fibre-optic infrastructure into wider consumer access.
Tukur-Jikamshi 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.
He identified last-mile connectivity as a major priority, particularly in extending fibre-optic services to businesses, institutions and households across the state’s 34 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.
Our correspondent reports that the workshop 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.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader digital transformation agenda, particularly Project BRIDGE — Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth — which targets the deployment of at least 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure across Nigeria.
Project BRIDGE is being implemented through public-private partnerships and is designed to expand broadband connectivity, particularly in underserved communities, while supporting businesses, education, healthcare, public services and digital entrepreneurship.
The Federal Government has identified broadband infrastructure as a critical component of Nigeria’s digital economy and is working with development partners and private-sector investors to accelerate fibre deployment across the country.
Against this backdrop, Katsina’s emphasis on last-mile connectivity is expected to complement the wider national broadband expansion by connecting more homes, businesses and institutions to fibre-optic infrastructure.
The workshop is expected to strengthen public-private collaboration and support Katsina State’s efforts to accelerate digital transformation, attract investment and improve access to affordable and reliable digital services.