KATSINA – Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has called on other states of the federation to emulate the Katsina State’s MSME initiatives model, describing it as a success.
He also commended the BOI and SMEDAN for partnering with the state in its MSME development drive.
VP Shettima represented by Senator Hassan Hadeja, his Deputy Chief of Staff made the call while commissioning the remodeled Katsina Industrial Development Centre (IDC) Common Facility Centre and the flag-off of the first Katsina MSME Clinic and Fair in Katsina on Wednesday.
The remodeled IDC, a Public-Private Partnership between the Katsina State Government and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), is equipped with modern tools and machinery to enhance productivity and product quality.
The upgraded facilities include: Renovated workshops for a conducive working environment, State-of-the-art computer labs and a call center for digital skills training and customer support and an Uninterrupted power supply through a 30KVA hybrid inverter system. Others are Upgraded sanitation facilities and a 1.7km Improved road access.
The Vice President applauded Governor Radda’s focus on data-driven decision making for MSME development, mirroring the approach taken at the federal level.
He emphasized the significance of MSMEs, accounting for 96% of Nigerian businesses, 84% of the workforce, and nearly half of the GDP.
While commending the state’s commitment to empowering MSMEs, he acknowledged their crucial role in job creation, value addition to agriculture, and overall economic development.
VP Shettima also commended Governor Dikko Radda’s leadership, particularly his impactful tenure as Director-General of SMEDAN (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria) and the appointment of Hajiya Aisha Aminu Malunfashi as KASEDA Director-General, recognizing the positive impact women can have on MSMEs.
The Vice President, particularly recognized Governor Radda’s creation of a $5 billion MSME fund in partnership with BOI (Bank of Industry) and SMEDAN, emphasizing the importance of providing affordable financing for small businesses, crucial for their sustainability.
He further applauded the establishment of a computer lab and call center at the IDC, acknowledging its potential to enhance digital literacy among beneficiaries, equip them for participation in e-commerce and digital trade, and facilitate nationwide and potentially global marketing opportunities.
Shettima highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to support MSMEs, including dedicated funding initiatives through partner banks and the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant on job creation and MSMEs.
VP Shettima however used the opportunity to invite attendees to the World MSME Day awards night in Abuja, hinting at a potential award for Governor Radda, in recognition of his efforts and offered his best wishes for Governor Radda’s continued success in tackling unemployment, insecurity, and promoting progress for the people of Katsina.
Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, the Executive Governor of Katsina state in his address, highlighted the critical role MSMEs play in job creation, poverty reduction, and economic diversification.
He emphasized that the Katsina SME Clinics and Fair is a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase products, network, and explore business opportunities.
According to him, It aims to address challenges faced by entrepreneurs by providing training and workshops on financial management, marketing and technology adoption, as well provide regulatory support, counseling and mentorship opportunities.
The Governor expressed deep appreciation to SMEDAN for providing the space and fostering a collaborative relationship that brought the project to fruition, saying that, “The Purpose of remodeling the IDC with a functional Shared Facility Centre is to reiterate our commitment to fostering an environment where micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and local artisans can thrive.
“The center has now been equipped with modern tools and machinery that are often beyond the financial reach of individual artisans. This will enable them to produce higher quality products more efficiently and compete effectively in the market.”
“The centre will provide a platform for enhancing skills and knowledge by training and learning new techniques, and stay updated with industry trends. Also based on the report of our cluster mapping, we intend to extend such common facility to the remaining two senatorial districts of the state as soon as possible”, he said.
Governor Radda therefore urged youths in the state to embrace entrepreneurship, take optimal advantage of the platform to learn, collaborate and innovate in order to create a prosperous future for KATSINA State and its residents.
He then announced the establishment of an annual fair at the center, to be complemented by an annual MSMEs Award Dinner to celebrate achievements in the sector.
Mr. Charles Odii, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), earlier, commended Katsina State for following a framework similar to SMEDAN’s business processing and sourcing model.
Odii said the upgraded IDC has the potential to accommodate over 500 SMEs trained in business processing and sourcing, which also housed a call center with a capacity for over 500 representatives.
These advancements, he added, position Katsina State to become a national leader in business processing. He lauded the Governor’s efforts to revitalize the IDC, creating: a one-stop shop for SMEs, giving access to affordable financing, reduced barriers to obtaining capital, and zero-collateral financing options.
He also commended Governor Radda for the establishment of 136 Business Development Service Providers across Katsina State, providing crucial guidance to entrepreneurs.
Hon. Faruk Jobe, the state Deputy Governor and Chairman Katsina State Council of MSME, in his remarks, described the upgrade as a symbol of the Radda-led administration’s commitment to empowering MSMEs to overcome hurdles and reach their full potential.
He emphasized that the facility will equip businesses to compete effectively in the marketplace noting that the IDC’s collaborative environment will further foster innovation and growth.
The Katsina Deputy Governor expressed his sincere appreciation to all those involved in the IDC’s transformation and commended the resilience and innovation of Katsina’s MSMEs, calling for continued collaboration to create a thriving and dynamic MSME ecosystem in the state, that will lead to a brighter future for the state’s residents.
Hajiya Aisha Aminu, the Director General, Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency KASEDA, in her welcome addresd said the event signifies the beginning of a new era of opportunity, innovation, and growth for local businesses and entrepreneurs in the state.
According to her, the facility is designed to be a hub where ideas are transformed into tangible products, where entrepreneurs can access modern machinery, and where small businesses can thrive through shared resources and expertise.
“This center is a strategic investment in the future of our MSMEs. It is a place where dreams are nurtured, skills are honed, and the entrepreneurial spirit is ignited”, she concluded.
END