KATSINA — Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched a grant scheme targeting more than 62,000 nano, micro and small businesses, alongside plans to provide 2,000 business kiosks and customised signages across the state’s 34 local government areas.
The initiative, implemented through the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), aims to improve access to finance, strengthen grassroots businesses and expand employment opportunities.
Speaking at the launch ceremony at Bello Kofar Bai Hall, Katsina State Secretariat, on Monday, Radda said nano enterprises would receive ₦50,000 each, micro businesses ₦100,000 and small enterprises ₦150,000.
He said the programme was informed by an enterprise-mapping exercise that identified gaps in financing, business infrastructure and commercial visibility across the state.
The governor also announced plans to provide 2,000 purpose-built kiosks for vulcanisers to improve their working conditions, security and productivity. He said local fabricators were producing the kiosks, creating additional opportunities for indigenous artisans.
Customised signages would also help participating businesses improve their visibility and make it easier for customers to locate their products and services.
Radda disclosed that his administration had disbursed more than ₦3.5 billion in non-interest financing to over 6,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, with repayments already commencing.
He further said the state facilitated 5,373 jobs and formalised more than 10,000 businesses in 2025.
The governor also unveiled an integrated digital enterprise database designed to support beneficiary verification, programme monitoring, evidence-based planning and accountability. He said it would help identify business needs and guide targeted interventions for women-owned enterprises, young entrepreneurs and underserved communities.
He urged beneficiaries to use the grants productively, maintain proper business records, improve the quality of their goods and services, and expand their enterprises to create more jobs.
Dr Babangida Kabir Ruma
Earlier, KASEDA Director-General, Dr Babangida Kabir Ruma, said the agency had cleaned, deduplicated and validated enterprise records to improve data reliability and transparency in beneficiary selection.
He described the digital database as a long-term resource for monitoring business growth, targeting support and guiding future enterprise-development policies.
Radda also cited the national recognition received by Kosai Republic, a KASEDA-supported enterprise, which won ₦7.5 million at the 2026 National MSMEs Awards.
The governor commended KASEDA and its coordinating consultant, Cranewood Integrated Services Ltd, for their roles in implementing the initiative.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, lawmakers, government officials, development partners, financial institutions, business associations and programme beneficiaries.
