Trains Key Stakeholders to Safeguard Investments
The Katsina State Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to install a 3,000-kilometre fibre optic network by 2027, a move aimed at transforming the state into a major digital hub in northern Nigeria.
This vision was outlined by the Director General of the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi, during a capacity-building workshop held in Katsina.
The event, organised jointly by KIPA, the Directorate of Information Communication Technology, and the Urban and Regional Planning Board, brought together critical stakeholders, including traditional leaders, to deepen understanding of fibre infrastructure and the role of communities in protecting it.
Jikamshi explained that the state is already creating a conducive environment to attract private investors who will drive the installation of the fibre optic backbone. According to him, achieving the 2027 target depends largely on community support and strong security around infrastructure deployment.
He noted that once the network is fully laid and subsidised for widespread access, Katsina will enjoy a secure, uninterrupted, and high-speed broadband system, which he described as key to unlocking the full benefits of digital communication.
“The importance of fibre optics is clear to everyone who relies on modern connectivity—whether they are business owners, researchers, or everyday users,” he said. “Katsina is working towards delivering a 3,000km fibre network by 2027. To achieve that, we are involving the frontline stakeholders who must safeguard these investments when deployment begins.”
Jikamshi further highlighted several incentives already approved by the state government to encourage investment, including waivers on Right-of-Way charges and other associated fees. He added that strategic locations across the state have been mapped out as priority zones for fibre deployment.
He also disclosed that Katsina is among the eight “M-band states” that met national requirements to participate in the first phase of Nigeria’s fibre optic expansion programme.
According to him, this project will position the state firmly within the Fourth Industrial Revolution, paving the way for digital innovation, job creation, and broader economic growth. Plans are already underway for a dedicated investment summit to showcase opportunities around fibre optic infrastructure in the state.
Jikamshi stressed that improved broadband access will not only create new employment opportunities but also boost digital entrepreneurship, strengthen youth participation in the online economy, and enhance Katsina’s connectivity with neighbouring countries—laying a solid foundation for long-term development.
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