Gov Sikkim Umaru Radda of Katsina State has approved the constitution of a Joint Implementation Committee to drive the State’s digital infrastructure and connectivity agenda.
This was announced by the governor while hosting the leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and MTN Nigeria.
The team was led by NCC Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida and representatives of MTN Nigeria on a courtesy visit to Government House, Katsina.
Governor Radda said his administration is moving from discussions to structured implementation.
“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,” Governor Radda stated.
Governor Radda subsequently constituted a four-member State Working Committee to drive the process. The committee comprises 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).
A statement from the office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State,Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed dated 18 September, 2027 said the Committee is mandated to engage MTN Nigeria, constitute a joint technical team, validate priority interventions, and develop the business case and implementation plan for consideration by the State Government.
Earlier, Dr. Maida reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to supporting Katsina State to deepen digital transformation, expand telecommunications infrastructure and improve access to connectivity across the State.
In a presentation during the visit, MTN Nigeria outlined proposals to support Katsina’s agenda, including strengthening the State’s digital foundation and connectivity, bringing Government closer to citizens through technology, and using data and digital intelligence to improve public-sector planning and service delivery.
The company also proposed targeted network expansion to underserved and rural communities, agricultural areas, markets and economic clusters, education and health facilities, and strategic economic corridors, subject to joint assessment of existing infrastructure, technical feasibility and commercial viability.
The approach aligns with MTN’s proposed pathway of joint team formation, coverage assessment, identification of pilot locations, and development of a business case before rollout of pilot projects.
As part of the engagement, Dr. Maida presented learning computers to his late father’s alma mata, Sarki Dikko College, formerly Government College Katsina, and 117 tablets to pupils of Garama Primary School, in support of digital education and inclusion.
The meeting is coming on the heels of ongoing reforms by the Radda administration to facilitate fibre-optic deployment and expand broadband connectivity as a catalyst for investment, improved public service delivery and economic opportunities for the people of Katsina State.
Also present at the engagement was the Director General/CEO of KIPA, Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi, alongside other senior Government officials.
