Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has inaugurated the Katsina State Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, making the state the first sub-national government in Nigeria to fully domesticate and institutionalise the Startup Law.

He announced this during the inauguration ceremony at the Government House, Katsina, on Thursday, noting that the state has established a Startup Grants and Investment Fund with a guaranteed minimum of ₦250 million annually to help innovative businesses grow, scale, and compete globally.

According to him, “The Katsina Startup Law is not just another policy document; it is an engine for growth. It provides a solid framework to create an enabling environment, streamline regulations, promote research and development, support incubation and acceleration, and connect startups with investment and markets.”

He explained that the creation of the council aligns with his administration’s broader vision to modernise governance, diversify the economy, generate jobs, and promote shared prosperity across all local government areas.

The governor noted that this vision has already produced key institutions such as the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (KATDICT) and the Katsina Development and Management Board (KDMB), both playing vital roles in advancing the state’s technology and innovation agenda.

Radda further disclosed that Nigeria’s ICT sector currently contributes about 18 percent to the national GDP, emphasising the increasing importance of technology in shaping the future of work and industry.

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“Katsina must not stand behind; we must lead. We are sending a clear message that this state is ready to build a strong innovation economy capable of nurturing globally competitive startups and creating meaningful jobs for our youth,” he declared.