Naufal Ahmad

Naufal Ahmad is a Nigerian technologist, public servant, and advocate for digital innovation. He currently serves as the Director-General of the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (KATDICT).[1]

Career

Kirkira Innovation Hub

Before his appointment to government office, Ahmad was known as a “technology ecosystem builder.” He is a co-founder of Kirkira Innovation Hub, described in media sources as the first technology hub in the region.[2]

Through Kirkira Innovation Hub, he has been involved in youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and efforts to build a tech community[3]

Appointment as Director-General of KATDICT

In August 2023, the then-Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, appointed Naufal Ahmad as the pioneer Director-General of the newly established ICT Directorate (KATDICT). The appointment became effective from 14 August 2023.[3]

As DG, Ahmad is charged with coordinating ICT-related activities across state ministries, departments and agencies; advising the Governor on ICT-matters; and implementing the Katsina ICT policy framework.[4]

Role as Focal Person for Federal Initiative (iDICE)

In October 2024, Ahmad was appointed as the State Focal Person for the federal government’s iDICE Programme (Innovation, Digital, and Creative Enterprises) in Katsina State. The programme aims to accelerate digital and creative entrepreneurship, and his appointment leverages his previous experience in technology and innovation.[5]

Initiatives & Activities

  • Digital Transformation & Youth Empowerment: Under Ahmad’s leadership, KATDICT has pursued digital transformation initiatives in Katsina. In 2025 the directorate partnered with Katsina Youth Craft Village (KYCV) to digitize services such as admissions, record-keeping, and attendance, aiming to modernize vocational and skills-acquisition centers for youth empowerment.[6]
  • Capacity Building in Data Protection & Privacy: In early 2025, KATDICT organized regional training for ICT personnel from Northwest states on data protection and privacy, aligning with efforts to implement the national data protection law and strengthen regional digital governance.[7]
  • Promotion of Tech / Startup Ecosystem: Through his work (Kirkira Innovation Hub) and his government role, Ahmad has been involved in supporting tech startups, innovation promotion, digital entrepreneurship, and creating pathways for youth to transition into technology and creative sectors.[3]
  • Organizing & Supporting Technology Events: Under his direction, KATDICT has played a supportive role in technology-focused events for youth, aimed at fostering networking, skills development, and exposure to the broader technology ecosystem.[8]

See also

Katsina State

Dikko Umaru Radda

References

  1. ^ Ogalah, Dunamis (2023-08-18). "Gov Radda appoints pioneer Director General for Katsina ICT Directorate". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  2. ^ Newspaper, The Street Reporters (2023-08-18). "Governor Radda Appoints 32 years old Naufal Ahmed as Director General ICT Directorate". The Street Reporters Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  3. ^ a b c admin (2023-08-18). "Governor Radda Appoints Pioneer Director General for ICT Directorate". Daily Nigerian News. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  4. ^ Ogalah, Dunamis (2023-08-18). "Gov Radda appoints pioneer Director General for Katsina ICT Directorate". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  5. ^ admin (2024-10-20). "Gov Radda Appoints Naufal Ahmad To Lead iDICE Programme in Katsina". Daily Nigerian News. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  6. ^ "Katsina ICT Directorate Partners Youth Craft Village for Digital Transformation – Progressive News". Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  7. ^ Bukar, Aminu Musa (2025-04-07). "KATDICT organizes training on Data Protection and Privacy for personnel from Northwest states - Katsina Mirror". Retrieved 2025-12-10.
  8. ^ Bukar, Aminu Musa (2025-05-19). "Katsina to host Arewa Technology Festival - Katsina Mirror". Retrieved 2025-12-10.
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