By Our Correspondent
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced that markets across the state’s 34 local government areas are now fully open for economic activities following what he described as significant improvements in the security situation.
Governor Radda made the announcement on Tuesday when he received leaders of market associations, popularly known as Sarakunan Kasuwa, from the 34 local government areas at Government House, Katsina.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Katsina State Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Isyaku Mohammed.
The governor said the reopening of all markets was an indication of progress in his administration’s efforts to improve security and restore confidence among traders, businesses and other economic actors.
“Although we cannot say that security challenges have been completely eradicated, there is a visible and significant improvement compared to where we started in 2023. Today, all our markets are open for economic activities,” Radda said.
He said the reopening would strengthen local economies, create employment opportunities, increase government revenue and improve the livelihoods of residents.
“When our markets are open, our people can trade, businesses can grow, government can generate revenue and families can improve their livelihoods,” he said.
Radda assured the market associations of his administration’s continued support for initiatives designed to promote commerce, improve market infrastructure and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
He also urged the associations to continue supporting government efforts to mobilise revenue and ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations and market guidelines.
“The development of Katsina State is a collective responsibility,” the governor said, while calling for continued cooperation in revenue mobilisation, market regulation and peaceful coexistence.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Katsina State Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Isyaku Mohammed, said the meeting was organised to appreciate the contributions of market associations to revenue mobilisation and explore additional strategies for improving the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.
He said engagement with organised market associations had significantly improved revenue collection from the informal sector and contributed to the growth of the state’s revenue over the past three years.
According to him, the associations have supported the state’s revenue targets through improved cooperation, compliance and coordination.
Speaking on behalf of the market associations, the Chairman of the coalition, Alhaji Bashir Ibrahim Faskari, commended Governor Radda for his leadership and efforts to improve the business environment across the state.
He assured the government of the associations’ continued cooperation in strengthening revenue mobilisation and promoting sustainable economic development.
The market leaders also commended the administration’s investment in the development and modernisation of markets across the state.
They specifically cited the construction of modern markets in Mashi, Daura, Charanchi and Mai’adua, among other locations, saying the projects would provide improved trading environments, attract investment and stimulate economic activity.
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; members of the State Executive Council and other senior government officials.
The governor’s announcement comes amid ongoing efforts by the Katsina State Government and security agencies to restore economic activity in communities affected by insecurity and rebuild public confidence in the state’s commercial environment.
