Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has been recognized for his frontline roles in advancing digital infrastructure with the prestigious “Pioneering Infrastructure Friendly Policies” award.
The award was conferred on the Governor at the launch of the National Broadband Alliance for Nigeria (NBAN) in Lagos.
The Director General of Katsina Directorate of Information and Communication Technology, Naufal Ahmad, received the award on behalf of the Governor and later made the official presentation today.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor in Lagos, Naufal reaffirmed Governor Radda’s led administration’s commitment to broadband expansion and digital transformation.
He also pledged continued collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to accelerate broadband penetration across the state.
Explaining the significance of digital infrastructure in economic growth, security and public service efficiency, Naufal noted that, “Governor Radda waived the Right of Way (RoW) charges to attract private sector investment in fiber-optic network deployment across Katsina.
“This policy has positioned the state as an investment-friendly destination for technology and telecommunications companies,” he added.
Speaking further on the Governor’s Smart Katsina Initiative, the KATDICT Director General noted that the State has partnered with private sector stakeholders to connect all government offices under a unified digital network to enhance communication, data sharing and service delivery.
Naufal, however, highlighted the Governor’s directive for KATDICT to ensure all government secretariats are connected to the internet and implementation has already commenced.
In the same vein, Naufal assured that Katsina State is fully aligned with the National Broadband Alliance’s ambitious goal of expanding Nigeria’s broadband coverage by 92,000 km to bridge digital divide and ensure no community is left behind in country’s digital transformation journey.
Acknowledging the award at the Government House, Katsina, today, Governor Radda reiterated that his administration will continue to prioritize policies that enable a technology-driven, knowledge-based economy and ensure that businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and citizens across the state can access affordable and reliable internet connectivity.
The Governor was joined by the Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe to receive the award at the Government House, today.
