The Katsina State Government has targeted the deployment of 3,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure by 2027 as part of its ongoing digital transformation drive.
Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi, Director-General of the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), disclosed this on Wednesday during a workshop on fibre optic infrastructure development held in Katsina.
The workshop was organised by KIPA in collaboration with the state’s Directorate of Information Communication Technology and the Urban and Regional Planning Board.
Jikamshi said the state government has created an enabling environment for investors to participate in the development of the 3,000-kilometre fibre optic network to ensure its completion by 2027.
He explained that when fully deployed and subsidised, the state would enjoy uninterrupted and secure network coverage, with “100 per cent” hitch-free broadband connectivity.
According to him, “The public, entrepreneurs, academics and everyone using the network understand the importance of fibre optics. Katsina State Government is targeting about 3,000 kilometres by 2027.
“So, in this direction, what we have started doing is bringing in primary stakeholders who have the responsibility to secure the investments when investors arrive for deployment.
“That will greatly enhance the globalisation drive of the Katsina State Government. We will not be left out of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Additionally, our youths, those engaging with IoT, 3G, 4G and even social media, will benefit, because they can commercialise their accounts and earn income from participation.
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“So once they have a stable and reliable network, jobs will be created. Investors will also come, which creates further employment. As profits increase, income will be enhanced and prosperity will come to our region. Those who participated in today’s workshop include traditional rulers, security agencies, government agencies involved in public planning and policy, the Urban Development Planning Authority, Lands Authority, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, and the Ministry of Works.”
He reiterated that Katsina was among the eight “M-band states” that met the prerequisite conditions to participate in the first phase of Nigeria’s fibre optic deployment programme.
