In a major boost for small businesses, the Katsina State Government has approved financial grants for 6,200 roadside enterprises under its KASEDA Direct Grant Programme.
The initiative, championed by Dikko Umaru Radda, is part of a broader effort to strengthen micro and small businesses, stimulate grassroots economic growth, and improve livelihoods across the state.
The approval was granted during the 6th Regular Executive Council Meeting held at the Red Chamber, General Muhammadu Buhari House in Katsina State.
The meeting, presided over by Dikko Umaru Radda, focused on key economic interventions aimed at supporting small-scale enterprises.
Speaking after the meeting, Bala Salisu Zango, Commissioner for Information and Culture, explained that the programme is designed to deliver direct financial support to roadside businesses, many of which form the backbone of the local economy.
According to Bala Salisu, the initiative aligns with the state government’s “Building Your Future” agenda, which prioritizes:
Economic inclusion
Enterprise development
Sustainable livelihoods
Branding and Identification of Beneficiaries
As part of the rollout strategy, the government has also approved the branding of 6,200 roadside shops and small businesses across metropolitan areas and all 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.
Babangida Rumah, Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), stated that the branding exercise is a crucial preparatory step.
According to him, the process will:
Properly identify and document beneficiaries
Ensure transparency in grant distribution
Provide structured support to selected businesses
He added that the initiative follows a comprehensive corridor mapping exercise conducted by KASEDA to identify eligible Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state.
Why This Matters
Micro and small businesses play a vital role in Nigeria’s economy, especially at the grassroots level.
For many families, roadside businesses are a primary source of income. By providing direct grants, the Katsina State Government aims to:
Strengthen local economies
Support small business owners
Reduce unemployment
Improve income stability
This intervention is particularly important at a time when many small businesses are facing economic pressures.
Advantage
The KASEDA Direct Grant Programme offers several benefits to beneficiaries:
Access to non-repayable financial support
Increased visibility through business branding
Inclusion in government-backed enterprise support systems
Opportunities for business growth and expansion
For small business owners, this initiative could significantly improve operations and profitability.
For business owners in Katsina State, here’s what to do:
1. Ensure Your Business is Registered or Recognized
Proper documentation increases your chances of being selected.
2. Participate in Government Enumeration Exercises
Stay engaged with KASEDA activities and updates.
3. Maintain Business Visibility
Roadside businesses should ensure they are accessible and identifiable.
4. Follow Official Announcements
Keep track of updates from the Katsina State Government and KASEDA.
The approval of grants for 6,200 businesses under the KASEDA programme highlights the commitment of Dikko Umaru Radda to grassroots economic development.
By combining financial support with structured identification and branding, the initiative is set to empower small business owners and strengthen local economies across Katsina State.
If effectively implemented, this programme could serve as a model for other states seeking to drive inclusive economic growth from the grassroots level.