Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has approved the constitution of a joint implementation committee with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and MTN Nigeria to accelerate digital infrastructure and connectivity across the state.
Radda gave the approval when he received the NCC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida, who led senior officials of the commission and representatives of MTN Nigeria on a courtesy visit to Government House, Katsina.
The governor said his administration was moving from discussions to structured implementation, with the committee expected to work with MTN on technical, commercial and delivery arrangements.
“We are not interested in talks alone. We want action. I have directed that this engagement must immediately move to implementation through a structured working committee that will sit with MTN and develop clear technical, commercial and delivery arrangements,” Radda stated.
The governor subsequently constituted a four-member State Working Committee comprising the Director General/CEO of the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi; the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board (KTDMB); the Director General of the Katsina State Directorate of ICT (KADICT); and the General Manager of the Urban and Regional Planning Board (URPB).
The committee will engage MTN Nigeria, constitute a joint technical team, validate priority interventions and develop a business case and implementation plan for consideration by the state government.
MTN proposes network expansion
During the meeting, Maida reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to supporting Katsina’s digital transformation, telecommunications infrastructure and access to connectivity.
MTN Nigeria also presented proposals focused on strengthening the state’s digital foundation, using technology to improve government-citizen engagement and applying data and digital intelligence to public-sector planning and service delivery.
The proposed network expansion would target underserved and rural communities, agricultural areas, markets and economic clusters, as well as education and health facilities and strategic economic corridors.
The company said the proposed interventions would be subject to joint assessment of existing infrastructure, technical feasibility and commercial viability.
The engagement is expected to proceed through the formation of a joint team, coverage assessment, identification of pilot locations and development of a business case before pilot projects are rolled out.
NCC supports digital education
As part of the visit, Maida presented learning computers to his late father’s alma mater, Sarki Dikko College, formerly Government College Katsina.
He also presented 117 tablets to pupils of Garama Primary School to support digital education and inclusion.
The engagement comes amid ongoing reforms by the Radda administration aimed at facilitating fibre-optic deployment and expanding broadband connectivity in Katsina State.
The state government said the efforts are intended to support investment, improve public service delivery and expand economic opportunities through stronger digital infrastructure.
The Director General/CEO of KIPA, Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi, and other senior government officials were also present at the meeting.
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