By Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) has disbursed over N1 billion in interest-free loans to support the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state.
The Director-General of the agency, Dr. Babangida Rumah, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the agency’s pre-budget defence organised by the Katsina State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Dr. Rumah said the interest-free loans had been disbursed to about 1,500 MSMEs across the state in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI) as part of the Katsina State Government’s efforts to stimulate economic activities, promote entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities.
He revealed that another batch of beneficiaries had already been shortlisted, assuring that the next phase of loan disbursement would commence soon.
According to him, KASEDA has also distributed starter packs to members of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) to enhance their vocational skills and improve their businesses.
The Director-General urged petty traders and owners of small-scale businesses to register with the agency to benefit from the interest-free loan scheme.
“We have enough funds available for disbursement. We are calling on all petty traders and owners of small-scale businesses to take advantage of this opportunity by registering with the agency and applying for the loans,” he said.
Dr. Rumah commended the Katsina State Government for its continued commitment to revitalising the MSME sector, describing it as a critical driver of economic growth and job creation.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Malik Anas, advised the agency to introduce mentorship programmes for youths who have benefited from its training initiatives to help them build sustainable businesses and maximise the impact of the government’s interventions.