Economy
Job creation: How Gov. Radda Emerges 2024 MSME Friendly Governor
By Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Are you an economic enthusiasts? Are you a lover of youth growth and development? Are you curious to know the trends in the Katsina MSMEs sector? Grab a seat, because I am about to dive into a story that’s as inspiring as it is revolutionary.
You know how they say, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”? Governor Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON of Katsina State is taking that wisdom to a new level. He’s not just teaching people to fish; he’s creating an entire ecosystem of master anglers!
Let me set the scene before you, shall I? Picture Katsina State, a place brimming with untapped potential and eager minds. Now, enter a protagonist, Governor Radda, armed with a vision so bright it could light up the Sahara. His mission? To transform Katsina into a powerhouse of entrepreneurship and innovation. And guess, he’s delivering!
So, what’s the secret sauce behind Governor Radda’s success? It’s simple: he’s not just creating jobs; he’s creating job creators. I am sure you’ll say mind-blowing. Let’s break it down.
First, we’ve got the N5 Billion Katsina State SME Growth Fund. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Another government fund? Yawn.” But hold your horses! This is a turbo-charged, supercharged collaboration with the Bank of Industry that’s about to send Katsina’s SME sector into hyperdrive. It’s like Governor Radda looked at the SME landscape and said, “You know what this needs? A nitrous oxide boost!”
But wait, there’s more! (And no, I’m not trying to sell you a set of kitchen knives). Enter the Dikko BDS Corp. Imagine having a personal business guru on speed dial. Now multiply that by 136 and spread them across all 34 LGAs. That’s what Governor Radda has done. With this initiative, Governor Radda has created a league of business superheroes, ready to swoop in and save the day.
Now, let’s talk strategy. Because Governor Radda isn’t just throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. Oh no, he’s got a plan, and it’s more precise than a Swiss watch. We’re talking MSME census and cluster mapping. It’s like economic cartography, but instead of “Here be dragons,” it’s “Here be opportunities.”
But the crown jewel in this entrepreneurial extravaganza? The Mechatronics Apprenticeship Support Program (MASP). With a jaw-dropping N3.4 billion investment, this program is set to transform 3,000 young Katsinians into the next generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs. It’s not just about teaching them to fish; it’s about teaching them to build the next generation of fishing rods!
Remember how I mentioned the N5 Billion SME Growth Fund? Well, that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Governor Radda has set aside a whopping N10 billion for MSME development. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is!
And get this – he’s not just thinking local, he’s thinking global. There’s a N4 billion Export Facilitation Matching Fund with Nexim Bank. That’s right, Katsina’s entrepreneurs are being prepped for the international stage. It’s like Governor Radda is saying, “Why stop at Nigeria when you can conquer the world?”
But it’s not all about the money. Governor Radda understands that sometimes, what entrepreneurs need most is a place to work their magic. That’s why he’s setting up Common Facility Centres in all three Senatorial Districts. Imagine having access to state-of-the-art equipment for tailoring, leather works, packaging, and even ICT. It’s like a playground for grown-ups who mean business!
And for those who are just starting, the Governor hasn’t forgotten you. The Katsina Youth Craft Village is getting a new lease on life. It’s being resuscitated to become a hub for skills acquisition and production. It’s like a nursery for budding entrepreneurs – nurturing the next generation of business leaders.
But what about those in areas affected by security challenges? Governor Radda’s got them covered too. There’s an N542 million Victims Support Matching Livelihood Fund in collaboration with UNDP. It’s not just about business; it’s about rebuilding lives and communities.
And let’s not forget the ladies! The Governor has arranged for the training of 10,000 women across all 34 local government areas. It’s like he’s building an army of female entrepreneurs ready to take on the world.
Last but not least, Governor Radda is thinking long-term. He’s working on developing a Katsina State MSMEs Policy that aligns with the National MSMEs policy. It’s like he’s writing the playbook for sustainable MSME development.
And guess what? The world is taking notice. On the 27th of June, 2024 at the 2024 National MSME Award, Governor Radda didn’t just attend; he owned the show, walking away with the MSME Friendly Governor Award. But for our humble hero, it’s not about the shiny trophies. As he puts it, “Our achievements in the MSME sector are just the beginning. We are committed to doing even more.” Talk about setting the bar high!
From establishing the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) to injecting N800 million into the Microfinance Bank, Governor Radda is on a mission. He’s turning over every stone, exploring every avenue, and probably inventing a few new avenues along the way.
As we raise a toast to the 2024 International MSME Day, Governor Radda’s message rings loud and clear: “MSMEs are the backbone of our economy and the key to our future prosperity.” And with a track record that reads like an entrepreneur’s wish list, who can argue?
In Governor Radda’s Katsina, the future isn’t just knocking on the door; it’s kicking it down and throwing a party. For the MSMEs of Katsina, this isn’t just a new chapter; it’s a whole new book. A bestseller in the making, if you ask me.
So, there you have it, folks. How Governor Radda is turning Katsina into a job creator’s paradise. It’s not just about employment; it’s about empowerment. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving. And it’s certainly not just about today; it’s about tomorrow, next year, and the decades to come.
Watch this space, because the Katsina MSME revolution isn’t just getting started; it’s about to go supernova. And with Governor Radda at the helm, you can bet your bottom Naira that this is one economic transformation that’s going to keep on giving. So buckle up, Katsina! Your entrepreneurial journey is about to get turbocharged!
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Radda
About The Author
Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has called on Northern states to strengthen collaboration in implementing tax reforms and digital transformation to boost revenue generation and ensure sustainable development.
Yusuf made the call on Wednesday at the second day of 2025 Northern Revenue Conference held in Kano.
The conference, with the theme “Readiness, Reforms, and Digital Transformation,” brought together policymakers, fiscal experts, and revenue administrators from across the northern states to discuss emerging trends in tax administration.
Represented by the Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Alhaji Musa Shanono, the Governor said effective revenue management remained central to good governance and economic growth.
He said his administration had prioritised fiscal reforms and digital innovation to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public finance.
Yusuf commended the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) for its progress under the leadership of Dr. Zaid Abubakar, describing it as a model for other states to emulate.
He said the enactment of the 2025 Nigerian Tax Laws had ushered in a new era in the country’s fiscal policy, encouraging states to embrace innovation and technology in tax administration.
Yusuf added, “The new framework compels us to think more strategically, collaborate more effectively and act more decisively.
“We must expand our fiscal frontiers beyond traditional boundaries and harness the potential of the informal sector, SMEs, and the growing digital economy.”
He emphasised integrity and accountability as the foundation of effective governance, saying:
“Integrity is fundamental in whatever we do. When it is missing, energy and intelligence are wasted,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Dr Zaid Abubakar, has called on state revenue agencies to embrace digital innovations and institutional reforms to enhance efficiency and transparency in tax administration.
He said the era of manual processes and guesswork in tax administration had passed, stressing the need for precision, digital competence and strong leadership in driving fiscal reforms.
“The 2025 reform agenda requires us to be strategic, data-driven and technology-oriented.
“The era of guesswork in tax administration is over. We must move towards systems that ensure accountability, accuracy and convenience for taxpayers,” he said.
The KIRS Chairman urged participants to use the conference as a platform to share ideas, strengthen collaboration and build networks that would promote a more efficient and taxpayer-friendly revenue system across the northern states.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to continue investing in digital transformation and capacity building to support sustainable revenue growth and fiscal stability
About The Author
Yusuf stated this on Tuesday while declaring open the 2025 Northern Revenue Conference held in Kano.
The conference, with the theme “Readiness, Reforms, and Digital Transformation”, was attended by revenue administrators, policymakers, and fiscal experts from across the Northern states.
Represented by the Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Alhaji Musa Shanono, he said the event was significant to his administration, adding that effective revenue management remained the engine room of governance.
Yusuf said the state government’s programmes and projects across the state would not have been possible without the commitment and efficiency of revenue-generating institutions.
The Governor expressed appreciation for the progress recorded by KIRS under the leadership of Dr Zaid Abubakar, describing it as a model of innovation and transparency in public finance administration.
He stated that the enactment of the 2025 Nigerian Tax Laws marked a new chapter in the nation’s fiscal history, creating opportunities to build a fair, transparent, and digitally driven tax system.
Yusuf said, “This new framework compels us to think more strategically, collaborate more effectively and act more decisively.
“We must expand our fiscal frontiers beyond traditional boundaries and harness the vast potential that lies within our informal economy, SMEs, and the growing digital ecosystem.”
The governor explained that since assuming office in May 2023, his administration had embarked on a vision to build a self-reliant, digitally enabled, and revenue-resilient Kano State.
He said the transformation of the revenue system was made possible through partnerships, reforms, and institutional strengthening of the Kano State Internal Revenue Service.
“According to the latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report, Kano State recorded a 100 per cent increase in Internally Generated Revenue within one year, ranking it among the top-performing states in the country,”
Yusuf said.
The governor also emphasised the importance of integrity and accountability in public service.
He added: “Integrity is fundamental in whatever we do. When it is missing, energy and intelligence are wasted.
$That is what Kano State has enjoyed integrity in governance and public service.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr Zacch Adedeji, said the agency remained committed to implementing far-reaching tax reforms and digital transformation aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal system.
Represented by the Secretary, Joint Tax Board (JTB), Mr Adesokan Olusegun, Adedeji said the conference provided a vital platform for engaging stakeholders.
According to him, it will do provide an ample opportunity to conduct technical reviews of the newly enacted tax laws to ensure smooth transition and implementation across all tiers of government.
“This forum represents a milestone in our collective journey towards building a transparent, technology-driven, and fair tax administration system,” he said.
Also speaking , the Chairman, Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Dr Zaid Abubakar, urged state revenue agencies to adopt digital transformation and institutional reforms in line with Nigeria’s evolving tax system.
He said the 2025 reforms required precision, digital competence and bold leadership to enhance efficiency and service delivery, adding that the era of guesswork in tax administration is over.
The KIRS boss urged the participants to use the forum to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration for a more efficient and taxpayer-friendly system.
About The Author
KIRS
The Executive Chairman of the Kano Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Dr Zaid Abubakar, says the agency is targeting higher revenue generation through improved customer relations and service delivery.
Abubakar stated this in Kano on Friday during activities marking the 2025 Customer Service Week, which focused on promoting stronger engagement between the service and taxpayers.
Represented by Executive Director Support Services Group, Mr Hamisu Garko, said the agency’s reforms were designed to make taxpayers the centre of its operations, adding that effective communication and quality service remained critical to enhancing voluntary compliance.
“Our taxpayers are at the heart of what we do. We have continued to reform our processes to make revenue collection more transparent, efficient, and customer-friendly,” he said.
According to him, KIRS has introduced new strategies to strengthen the relationship between staff and taxpayers, including capacity-building programmes and regular stakeholder meetings.
“We are training our staff to better understand how to relate with customers because they are the backbone of our operations. Without taxpayers, there will be no service,” he added.
Abubakar said the agency had set ambitious targets for the year, focusing on doubling its revenue generation compared to the previous year through innovation, digitalisation, and enhanced public trust.
“Our goal is to improve our revenue performance by deepening engagement and encouraging voluntary compliance among taxpayers,” he said.
The chairman commended taxpayers for their cooperation and urged them to continue supporting government’s efforts to improve service delivery across the state.
“We will continue to build a system that prioritises transparency, accountability, and customer satisfaction,” he said.
Earlier, the Director General of Kano State Signage and
Advertisement Agency, Kabir Dakata commended the state government for its prudent management of resources and the ongoing infrastructural transformation across the state.
He said the remarkable progress recorded in the state’s infrastructural development was made possible by the efficient revenue generation system and the transparent use of funds by the administration of Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“We are witnessing a great transformation in infrastructure, and this would not have been possible without your collective effort,”he explained.
A taxpayer, Mr. Samson Joshua, has urged the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) to simplify its payment processes by fully digitising the system to enable residents to make payments conveniently from their homes or offices.
He said that adopting a fully digital platform would not only ease the stress taxpayers experience at physical offices but also improve transparency and accountability in the revenue system.
About The Author
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