By Abubakar Yusha’u
The Katsina State Coordinating Office of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) engaged key public and private sector stakeholders at the 9th Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Clinic in Katsina, contributing to high-level discussions focused on strengthening enterprise development, enhancing value chains and improving the overall business environment. The clinic, held at the Continental Events and Sports Complex, formed part of broader national efforts to accelerate MSME growth as a driver of inclusive economic development.
The high-level forum was chaired by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON. It attracted federal and state government officials, development institutions, financial agencies, private sector leaders and MSME operators from various parts of the country others are: Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda; Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Faruk Lawal Jobe; Minister of Art, Culture and Tourism, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa and two former Deputy Governors of the state, Aminu Bello Masari and Barrister Shehu Shema, respectively.
The vice President during the event announced an unconditional grant of ₦250,000 for each outstanding MSME exhibitor, as approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He said the grant is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to provide direct support to small businesses and promote inclusive economic growth.
He also disclosed that more than 39,000 MSMEs in Katsina State have benefited from federal interventions totaling approximately ₦2.5 billion. Additionally, 23 rural enterprises accessed over ₦112 million through the Rural Area Programme on Investment for Development, reflecting increased attention to businesses operating in underserved communities.
You Might AlsoLike
He further highlighted the ₦75 billion MSME Intervention Fund established through the Bank of Industry. The scheme provides loans of up to ₦5 million to 75,000 MSMEs nationwide at an interest rate of 9 per cent per annum, with the objective of improving access to finance and supporting business expansion.
In his remarks, the Katsina State Coordinator, Mr. Abubakar Yusha’u, outlined the Council’s achievements and its ongoing contributions to Nigeria’s economic development, particularly in advancing local sourcing of raw materials, facilitating technology transfer and supporting enterprise growth.
During the panel sessions, the RMRDC team contributed to discussions on practical approaches to enhancing the ease of doing business, strengthening value chains and improving enterprise competitiveness in the region. Emphasis was placed on promoting raw materials utilisation, value addition and sustainable industrial growth as key drivers of MSME development.
Deliberations at the clinic also underscored critical priorities for MSME advancement, including expanded access to local markets, strengthened capacity-building initiatives through training and extension services, and improved financing mechanisms. Participants emphasized that sustained collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions and development partners is essential to unlocking the full potential of MSMEs in Katsina State.
The 9th Expanded National MSME Clinic reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering small businesses as catalysts for employment generation, innovation and economic resilience, while providing a strategic platform for institutions to demonstrate their role in enterprise-driven development.
