Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has urged other states to emulate Katsina State’s successful MSME initiatives. Represented by Senator Hassan Hadeja, Shettima made this call during the commissioning of the remodeled Katsina Industrial Development Centre (IDC) and the launch of the first Katsina MSME Clinic and Fair.
The remodeled IDC is a Public-Private Partnership between the Katsina State Government and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). It features modern tools and machinery, renovated workshops, state-of-the-art computer labs, a call center for digital skills training, and a 30KVA hybrid inverter system for uninterrupted power supply. The facility also boasts upgraded sanitation facilities and improved road access.
VP Shettima praised Governor Dikko Radda for his data-driven approach to MSME development, highlighting the importance of MSMEs in job creation and economic growth. He noted that MSMEs account for 96% of Nigerian businesses, 84% of the workforce, and nearly half of the GDP.
He also commended the creation of a $5 billion MSME fund in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) and SMEDAN, emphasizing the need for affordable financing for small businesses. The Vice President acknowledged the establishment of a computer lab and call center at the IDC, which will enhance digital literacy and facilitate e-commerce and digital trade.
Governor Radda highlighted the critical role of MSMEs in job creation, poverty reduction, and economic diversification. He explained that the Katsina SME Clinics and Fair provide a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase products, network, and explore business opportunities, offering training and workshops on financial management, marketing, and technology adoption.
The Governor expressed gratitude to SMEDAN for their collaboration and announced plans to extend similar facilities to other senatorial districts in the state. He urged youths to embrace entrepreneurship and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the remodeled IDC.
Charles Odii, Director General of SMEDAN, praised Katsina State for adopting a framework similar to SMEDAN’s business processing and sourcing model. He noted that the upgraded IDC can accommodate over 500 SMEs and includes a call center with a capacity for over 500 representatives, positioning Katsina State as a national leader in business processing.
Hon. Faruk Jobe, the state Deputy Governor, described the upgrade as a symbol of the administration’s commitment to empowering MSMEs. He emphasized that the facility will help businesses compete effectively in the marketplace and foster innovation and growth.
Hajiya Aisha Aminu, Director General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), stated that the facility will be a hub for transforming ideas into tangible products and nurturing entrepreneurial spirit. She concluded that the IDC represents a strategic investment in the future of MSMEs in Katsina State.
