Recognised for digitalising 118 MDAs, pioneering iKatsina DPI and expanding technology infrastructure
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, is set to receive the GovTech Public Service Award at the 2026 Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards in recognition of his administration’s digital transformation initiatives and technology-driven public service reforms.
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A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad chief press secretary to the Governor said the conference, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), is scheduled for October 13–14, 2026, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.
The award recognises the administration’s efforts to place digital infrastructure, data, innovation and technology at the centre of government operations and public service delivery.
A major component of the administration’s digital transformation programme is the iKatsina Framework, a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) architecture designed to connect government systems, resident identities, public services and records within a secure and interoperable ecosystem.
At the centre of the framework is the Digital Resident Identification System, which is designed to provide residents with a unified digital identity for accessing government services across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Since the establishment of the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (KATDICT), the administration has reported the digitalisation of 118 MDAs, alongside the deployment of digital public infrastructure and reforms such as the Treasury Single Account.
The administration is also expanding the physical infrastructure required to support a digital economy through the SMART Katsina Broadband Masterplan, which is extending fibre-optic connectivity to strengthen digital government, education, healthcare, businesses and innovation.
The administration has also invested in digital skills development, including ICT training for civil servants. About 1,800 Katsina State civil servants have reportedly received ICT skills training, while young people are being supported to acquire digital and technology-related skills.
Governor Radda’s digital agenda also covers artificial intelligence, robotics and smart education, with Model Smart Schools in Radda, Jikamshi and Dumurkul equipped with ICT facilities, digital learning resources, robotics laboratories, AI resources and internet connectivity.
The KASEDA Digital Academy is another component of the State’s technology ecosystem. The academy has trained 684 young people, supported 64 digital projects, produced 312 professional certifications and assisted 19 startups and digital businesses, according to the administration.
Technology is also being linked with economic opportunities through support for startups, digital entrepreneurship, innovation hubs and other components of the technology ecosystem.
In February 2026, members of Katsina’s technology community recognised Governor Radda as “Chief Tech Enabler” for his reported support for digital infrastructure, innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship.
The administration has also deployed digital solutions across critical sectors, including healthcare, social protection, land administration and revenue mobilisation, with the aim of improving data management, monitoring, transparency and service delivery.
In the broadcast sector, the government is upgrading the Katsina State Television Authority to Digital Terrestrial Television, including the installation of new transmission equipment and a solar-powered backup system.
Technology has also featured in the administration’s fiscal reforms, with the State reporting an increase in internally generated revenue from about ₦400 million to approximately ₦3 billion monthly, alongside measures to improve revenue collection and reduce leakages.
The GovTech recognition highlights the administration’s digital government agenda, which brings together digital identity, interoperable government systems, broadband infrastructure, smart education, ICT skills, innovation and technology-enabled public services.
The award ceremony is expected to form part of the 2026 Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards holding in Abuja.