FG Set To Establish $10bn Innovation Hub In Katsina State

Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima

The Federal Government has named Katsina State among 10 states to host a new $10 billion Innovation Hub. FG recently revealed that the hub will help boost digital transformation and broadband connectivity across Nigeria.

Speaking while receiving the state governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, in his office in Abuja, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said that the innovation hub, one of the flagship projects under the federal digital economy plan, would be one of the best-designed facilities Nigeria has ever seen.

According to him, the construction of the hub is expected to commence before the end of next year, and Katsina was chosen because it is one of the nation’s most innovative states.

He stated that with Gov. Radda’s support, the project will definitely aid the growth of the Northern region.

“Katsina is one of Nigeria’s most promising innovation states. With the support of Governor Radda, we are confident this project will accelerate digital growth in the North,” he said.

The minister further announced that Katsina would receive 5 new satellite-based internet sites under the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to enhance broadband coverage, especially in rural communities.

Governor Radda, reacting, concluded by saying that the development is a major boost to his administration’s digital reform agenda, stressing that Katsina is prepared to collaborate fully with the Federal Government to deepen ICT penetration and innovation.

“ICT is one of our top governance priorities. We’ve created a Directorate of ICT, trained our workforce, reduced paperwork, and implemented a Treasury Single Account that’s already 85 percent completed,” he added.