Katsina State has become the first state in Nigeria to fully operationalise a Startup Law following the inauguration of the Katsina State Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.
The move marks the implementation phase of the state’s Startup Law, with the establishment of the Katsina Startup Fund and the Startup Consultative Forum to support entrepreneurs, attract investment and expand the state’s technology ecosystem.
Governor Radda, who was represented at the inauguration by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abdulkadir Nasir Mamman, said the newly constituted Council signals the beginning of the practical implementation of the law.
According to a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the Council will serve as the state’s highest strategic body for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
“I convey the warm regards of Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, whose vision for a technology-driven and knowledge-based economy has made today’s gathering possible. The establishment of this Council is another demonstration of his administration’s belief that innovation is no longer on the margins of development; it is central to it.”
The governor said the Startup Law provides the legal framework needed to transform innovation into economic opportunities, adding that the Council’s role is to ensure the legislation delivers tangible benefits for the state.
He stressed that the Council is not an implementing agency but a strategic policy body responsible for shaping innovation policy, removing barriers to growth, fostering partnerships and positioning technology as a driver of economic development.
“We should therefore see this Council for what it is: not another committee, and certainly not an implementing agency. We are the State’s highest strategic body on digital innovation and entrepreneurship. Our responsibility is to provide direction, shape policy, remove barriers, build partnerships and ensure that innovation becomes a driver of economic growth across our State.”
Governor Radda described the Startup Law as an economic development initiative aimed at creating jobs, attracting investment and helping entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.
“This will equally help in building companies that create value, generate employment and contribute to the prosperity of our State.”
He added that the initiative is expected to stimulate innovation across key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education and manufacturing.
The governor said the success of the initiative would be measured by its real-world impact rather than administrative activities.
“The real measure of our success will not be the number of meetings we hold or resolutions we pass. It will be whether more young people find meaningful opportunities; whether more startups survive and grow; whether more investors choose Katsina; whether our universities become centres of innovation; and whether technology begins to solve everyday challenges for our citizens.”
Director-General of the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (KATDICT), Naufal Ahmad, said the implementation of the Startup Law provides the institutional framework needed to grow the state’s innovation ecosystem.
“We now have a system where founders can build, investors can come in with confidence, and young people can turn ideas into businesses that create jobs and wealth.”
Ahmad said the law is designed to improve access to funding and business support, strengthen collaboration between government and the private sector, and attract investment into technology-driven enterprises.
“With this step, Governor Radda has set a national example of how to turn policy into institutions that deliver growth that is inclusive.”
The newly inaugurated Katsina State Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship will be chaired by Governor Radda, while the Director-General of KATDICT, Naufal Ahmad, will serve as Secretary.
Other members include the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Malik Anas; Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Bello Hussaini Kagara; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Fadila Muhammad Dikko; the Governor’s Economic Adviser, Khalil Nura Khalil; Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Dr. Babangida Ruma; Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board (KTDMB), Dr. Mustapha Shehu; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Aisha Aminu; academics Hajiya Zainab Lawal Sani and Dr. Armaya’u Zango; and representatives of the technology ecosystem, including LumiLab Chief Executive Officer Umar Mustapha Kutawa and Kirkira Chief Executive Officer Huzaifa Yakubu Musa.
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