The Katsina State Government has called on telecommunications companies and internet service providers (ISPs) to invest in broadband and fibre-optic infrastructure across the state.
The Deputy Governor, Mr Faruk Jobe, made the call on Thursday in Katsina at a one-day sensitisation workshop on the deployment of fibre-optic infrastructure to consumers.
The workshop, organised by the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency (KIPA), was themed, “Creating an Enabling Investment Environment for Fibre-Optic Development and Connectivity.”
Jobe, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed, said the state government had introduced reforms to remove barriers to private investment in fibre-optic infrastructure.
He said the government had eliminated right-of-way charges for fibre-optic deployment across the state as part of efforts to create a predictable, transparent and investor-friendly environment for digital infrastructure development.
According to him, the policy is supported by implementation guidelines and regulations designed to provide greater clarity and certainty for investors and operators.
“An operator considering an investment in Katsina should know the requirements, understand the approval process, and have the confidence that government policy will facilitate, rather than frustrate, legitimate investment,” he said.
Jobe said the government recognised the wider economic importance of broadband connectivity, noting that digital infrastructure could support businesses, attract investment and create opportunities for young people.
He added that improved connectivity could enhance access to education and healthcare, strengthen financial inclusion and improve public service delivery.
The deputy governor, however, said policy reforms alone would not be enough without increased private-sector investment and network expansion.
“Having created this enabling environment and framework, our attention must now turn from reforms to response and from policy to investment,” he said.
Jobe called on telecommunications companies and infrastructure providers to deepen their presence in Katsina, while encouraging more ISPs to enter the market and invest in last-mile infrastructure.
He said the government was ready to address remaining strategic challenges affecting the commercial viability of digital infrastructure projects.
The deputy governor also called for stronger collaboration between government and private investors to identify regulatory, technical and coordination challenges and develop practical solutions.
He said the outcome of the engagement should go beyond expressions of interest and produce clear next steps on government responsibilities, operators’ requirements and immediate investment opportunities.
Earlier, the Director-General of KIPA, Mr Ibrahim Tukur-Jikamshi, described digital connectivity as critical infrastructure for attracting investment, improving business competitiveness, driving innovation and expanding economic opportunities.
Tukur-Jikamshi said reliable internet connectivity had become as important to investors as electricity, roads and other essential infrastructure.
He said businesses increasingly depended on digital networks to reach customers, access financial services and participate effectively in the modern economy.
According to him, the state’s growing fibre-optic infrastructure must translate into affordable, reliable and accessible connectivity for businesses, institutions and households.
He said the engagement was designed to identify investment opportunities across the fibre-optic value chain, particularly in last-mile connectivity.
Tukur-Jikamshi added that the workshop would enable existing operators to highlight commercial, technical and administrative challenges limiting further investment and network expansion.
He said prospective ISPs would also gain a better understanding of regulatory and licensing requirements for operating in the state.
The KIPA boss stressed that the success of digital infrastructure should not be measured merely by the kilometres of fibre-optic cables deployed.
“Success should ultimately be measured by the number of businesses, homes, schools, healthcare facilities and public institutions that are connected,” he said.
According to him, the engagement was organised in collaboration with the state Urban and Regional Planning Board (URPB) and the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (KATDICT).
The event brought together government officials, regulators, infrastructure providers, telecommunications operators, ISPs and members of the business community.
Participants examined investment opportunities and challenges affecting the expansion of digital infrastructure and fibre-optic connectivity across the state.
