Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has received the 2026 GovTech Public Service Award in recognition of his administration’s investments in digital infrastructure, technological innovation and reforms aimed at improving public service delivery.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said the award was presented to the Governor at the 2026 Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), at Rockview Royale, Abuja, today.
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The award was presented to Governor Radda by the Director-General of BPSR, Dr Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, alongside the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, who represented the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Receiving the award, Governor Radda dedicated the honour to the people of Katsina State, whose support and cooperation, he said, have remained central to his administration’s efforts to modernise governance and expand opportunities through technology.
Im his acceptance address, the Governor recounted the achievements recorded under the digital transformation component of his administration’s Building Your Future Agenda, explaining that technology was being deployed to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability and make government services more accessible to citizens.
He highlighted the establishment of the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (KATDICT), which has coordinated the digitalisation of 118 Ministries, Departments and Agencies, alongside reforms such as the Treasury Single Account and the introduction of digital systems to improve government operations.
“A major feature of the reforms is the iKatsina Framework, a Digital Public Infrastructure architecture designed to integrate government systems, public records and service delivery. Its Digital Resident Identification System is intended to provide residents with a unified identity for accessing services across government institutions,” the Governor revealed.
Governor Radda also outlined progress under the SMART Katsina Broadband Masterplan, which seeks to expand fibre-optic connectivity and provide the infrastructure required for digital government, education, healthcare, commerce and innovation.
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On human capital development, he disclosed that about 1,800 civil servants had received ICT skills training, while the KASEDA Digital Academy had trained 684 young people, supported 64 digital projects, facilitated 312 professional certifications and assisted 19 startups and digital businesses.
The Governor further drew attention to the Model Smart Schools established in Radda, Jikamshi and Dumurkul, equipped with ICT facilities, digital learning resources, robotics laboratories, artificial intelligence resources and internet connectivity. He explained that the initiative was designed to expose young learners to emerging technologies and prepare them for opportunities in the digital economy.
Beyond education, the administration has introduced technology-driven interventions in healthcare, social protection, land administration and revenue mobilisation. These measures, according to the Governor, are intended to improve record management, monitoring, transparency and the delivery of essential services.
He also highlighted the ongoing upgrade of the Katsina State Television Authority to Digital Terrestrial Television, including the installation of modern transmission equipment and a solar-powered backup system.
On fiscal reforms, Governor Radda reported that the state’s monthly internally generated revenue had increased from approximately ₦400 million to about ₦3 billion, supported by improvements in revenue administration and measures to minimise leakages.
The Governor paid special tribute to the management and staff of KATDICT, led by its Director-General, Naufal Ahmed, for their commitment to implementing the state’s digital transformation programmes.
He acknowledged the contributions of other government institutions and stakeholders involved in the reforms, assuring that his administration would continue to invest in digital infrastructure, skills development and technology-enabled public services.
The Governor was accompanied to the ceremony by a government delegation that included his Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; the Director-General of KATDICT, Naufal Ahmed; and the National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, Barrister Murtala Kankia.
Also present at the event was the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barrister Sam Ode, who represented the Governor of Benue State.
