Katsina urges robust investment in fibre optic infrastructure

Katsina State is asking investors and the private sector to help turn fibre-optic infrastructure into affordable internet access for households, businesses and public institutions.

Ibrahim Jikamshi, director-general of the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency, made the appeal at a fibre-optics deployment and connectivity sensitisation programme in Katsina. The event brought together regulators, policymakers, infrastructure providers, telecommunications operators, internet service providers and members of the business community.

“

Fibre optics infrastructure is not simply a telecommunications issue. It is an important part of the infrastructure required to attract investment, improve business competitiveness, support innovation and expand economic opportunities amongst our citizens.

Jikamshi argued that fibre optics should no longer be treated as an issue limited to telecommunications. In his view, connectivity now belongs alongside electricity, roads, land and markets when investors decide where to operate. Small businesses use internet access to reach customers and obtain digital financial services, while schools, health facilities and government institutions increasingly depend on digital systems to deliver services.

“

Investors require connectivity just as they require access to electricity, roads, land and markets.

“Fibre optics infrastructure is not simply a telecommunications issue. It is an important part of the infrastructure required to attract investment, improve business competitiveness, support innovation and expand economic opportunities amongst our citizens,” he said.

The state government has continued to invest in fibre-optic expansion, Jikamshi said, but the remaining challenge is ensuring that infrastructure produces actual and affordable service. The programme also sought to identify opportunities across the value chain, particularly for last-mile connections. He said prospective internet service providers and investors needed clarity on licensing and regulatory requirements, while existing operators should be able to raise commercial, technical and administrative obstacles that limit further investment.

“

The challenge before us now is to ensure that this infrastructure translates into actual and affordable connectivity for businesses, institutions and homes. That is the essence of today’s engagement.