From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Federal Government has disbursed over N2.5 billion in grants to 39,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Katsina State, as part of efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship and boost economic growth across the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the disbursement during the 9th Expanded National MSME Clinic held at the Continental Events and Sports Complex in Katsina.
He also revealed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of an unconditional grant of N250,000 for each outstanding MSME exhibiting at the clinic.
Shettima disclosed that 23 rural enterprises in the state have additionally accessed over N112 million under the Rural Area Programme on Investment for Development (RAPID).
He further explained that the Federal Government has launched a ₦75 billion MSME Intervention Fund through the Bank of Industry (BOI), offering up to ₦5 million in loans to 75,000 MSMEs nationwide at a 9 percent annual interest rate.
In addition, a ₦50 billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme has been introduced to support one million nano businesses with ₦50,000 each across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
The Vice President commended Governor Dikko Umar Radda for establishing the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), describing it as a testament to the governor’s commitment to transforming small businesses into major economic contributors.
Responding, Governor Radda announced a six-month post-event mentorship programme for all entrepreneurs participating in the MSME clinic. He noted that since 2023, more than 100,000 beneficiaries across the state’s 34 local government areas have received support through KASEDA initiatives.
The governor revealed that Katsina has established a ₦5.5 billion MSME fund, with over ₦1 billion already disbursed to 701 businesses, positioning the state as a model for enterprise development in Northern Nigeria.
“This clinic will stand out from all others. I have directed KASEDA to work with SMEDAN, BOI, NITDA, NEPC, SON, FIRS, and CAC to provide post-event support to every registered participant. The clinic does not end today,” Governor Radda said.
He added that all entrepreneurs will be enrolled in a six-month business tracking programme, receive continued access to finance and certification support, have their data integrated into the KASEDA MSME Portal, and participate in targeted capacity-building sessions.
Governor Radda also disclosed that his administration has completed an MSME census and cluster mapping, developed a five-year MSME strategic plan, established common facility centres for fashion, leather, and food processing, and trained 1,500 youths under the NATA-MASP apprenticeship programme.
He thanked Vice President Shettima for extending his stay in Katsina to attend both the 1st Katsina MSME Awards and the Dikko Social Innovation Academy Graduation Ceremony.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, described Shettima’s visit as a reflection of his humility and unwavering support for innovation, enterprise, and youth empowerment.
He commended the Federal Government for creating and strengthening the National MSME Council, saying it has significantly helped small businesses grow, while appreciating agencies such as SMEDAN, BOA, NEXIM, SON, ITF, and NAFDAC for partnering with the state.
In her remarks, the Director-General of KASEDA, Hajiya Aisha Aminu, said the clinic coincided with the agency’s second anniversary, describing it as “a perfect gift reflecting our shared commitment to MSME development.”
She noted that over 500 exhibitors and participants from various federal and state agencies gathered at the event to address business challenges, with KASEDA collaborating with SMEDAN, BOI, NEXIM Bank, NITDA, NEPC, and SON to deliver post-event support including business registration, certification, financing, and mentorship.
Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima also commissioned the Katsina Sustainable Agriculture Platform—an initiative designed to connect farmers and government institutions through data intelligence—as well as the newly completed Kofar Soro–Kofar Marusa–Kiddies Road project.
