From Aliyu Galadima In Kaduna
Kaduna state government and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria ,SMEDAN, have signed a N1bn Memorandum of Understanding ,MoU, to boost Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ,MSMEs, development in the state
The MoU signed by the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, and Mr. Charles Odii, the Director-General of SMEDAN, was a strategic partnership designed to enhance access to finance, strengthen business development support, and expand employment opportunities across the state through MSMEs.
At the heart of this collaboration is a N1bn matching fund program, jointly financed by both parties -N500mn each from SMEDAN and the Kaduna State government.
The fund is aimed at empowering Nano, Micro and Small Enterprises with accessible capital, fostering innovation and productivity, creating sustainable jobs and reducing poverty.
The partnership aims to transform Kaduna’s economic landscape, unlock entrepreneurial potential and stimulate economic activity
In a statement released on Friday by the Head, Corporate Affairs ,SMEDAN, Mr, Moshood Lawal, the SMEDAN Boss commended the governor for his exploits in transforming the economic landscape of the state through the creation of an enabling environment as well as investment in the provision of strategic capacity building.
According to Odii, ”Kaduna state is currently at the top of the chart on the SMEDAN dashboard for MSME registration, and this is not surprising, seeing the heavy investment in human capital development driven by the governor’s vision for the state.
In his speech, Sani said the partnership marks a bold step towards transforming the economic landscape and unlocking the full potential of entrepreneurial talents.
The governor further committed to consider an upward review of the fund by the state government.
According to him, “By pursuing the objective in the MoU, we are directly addressing the root cause of financial exclusion, employment, poverty, and insecurity in our communities”.
The initiative signals a shared commitment by both SMEDAN and the Kaduna State government to empower local businesses, promote economic activity, and uplift the standard of living of the citizens of Kaduna State.
