Katsina Targets Status as Northern Nigeria’s Innovation Hub by 2030 – Gov Radda
Katsina to establish Tech Village, invest in data, digital health, and fibre optic connectivity
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has outlined an ambitious technology-driven development strategy aimed at transforming the state into Northern Nigeria’s innovation and technology hub by 2030.
Speaking during a fireside chat at the Arewa Tech Fiesta held in Katsina on Wednesday, Governor Radda unveiled a multi-pronged approach that prioritises data-driven governance, youth empowerment, digital infrastructure, and private sector collaboration.
"We want Katsina to lead the North in technology and innovation. Our plan is clear: by 2030, Katsina will stand as a beacon of innovation, opportunity, and digital progress," Governor Radda declared.
The Governor revealed plans to establish a Tech Village in the state, a hub designed to nurture the talents of young innovators and serve as a base for startups and technology entrepreneurs.
He also announced that all 34 local government areas in Katsina would be connected with fibre optic infrastructure to enhance connectivity and enable rural youth to tap into digital opportunities.
Governor Radda praised Sulo Africa, a tech firm founded by a Katsina indigene, as a shining example of local innovation. “Only God knows the future for that company… from just a few people, they’re now talking about billions,” he said.
He emphasised that events like the Arewa Tech Fiesta are aimed at attracting investor support and showcasing the state’s potential in the digital space. “The Fiesta helps us seek partnerships with entrepreneurs and investors to build a better future for our youth,” he noted.
Highlighting the role of data in governance, Radda said his administration had conducted baseline studies across health institutions, education facilities, and farming communities. “Accurate data allows us to plan and allocate resources effectively. It is essential,” he said.
To institutionalise evidence-based policymaking, the state has also created the Katsina State Bureau of Statistics, currently conducting a poverty index survey.
Governor Radda spoke about the state’s progress in digitising healthcare services. “We’ve introduced e-health solutions across major hospitals. Patient records are now digitally accessible across facilities,” he explained.
He also shared details of a community-driven development initiative, which includes equipping grassroots representatives with laptops to report directly to the Governor’s office—enhancing government-citizen engagement.
On security, the Governor said over ₦5 billion has been invested in surveillance technology across the state. "We’ve installed cameras that provide up to 30-kilometre radius visibility. This is part of our tech-driven security solution," he said.
He stressed that technology is crucial in addressing Nigeria’s security gaps, especially in ungoverned spaces. “The only way out is through technology,” he stated, calling for stronger institutions to reduce manipulation and drive national development.
Concluding the interview, Governor Radda expressed optimism about Katsina’s future. “We are working hard to build a system that changes how we think and operate. I believe by 2030, with continuity and commitment, Katsina will become a centre of innovation and leadership.”
The Arewa Tech Fiesta, supported by the Katsina State Government, aims to position the region as a competitive player in Nigeria’s growing technology ecosystem, attracting investment and fostering local talent.
