…Kaduna MSMEs surge from 20,000 to 180,000, says Uba Sani
Kaduna State has taken a bold step towards economic revitalisation with the signing of a N1 billion partnership agreement between the state government and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).
Governor Uba Sani, who formalised the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, described the initiative as a “transformative partnership” designed to strengthen Kaduna’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, expand job opportunities, and tackle poverty through targeted support for small businesses.
The governor, who signed on behalf of the state, was joined by SMEDAN’s Director General, Mr. Charles Odii, in a ceremony marking the launch of the joint intervention.
Sani revealed that Kaduna’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have grown exponentially under his administration, from fewer than 20,000 to over 180,000 within two years. “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to economic inclusion,” he said.
Odii commended the governor’s leadership, particularly in fostering peace, improving infrastructure, and advancing human capital development. “Kaduna State has emerged as the best-performing state in SME support,” he noted, adding that it is also the first subnational government to adopt the pioneering financing scheme. “This collaboration exemplifies what is possible when public institutions align to empower grassroots entrepreneurs,” Odii remarked.
The N1 billion Matching Fund Programme, equally financed by SMEDAN and the Kaduna State Government with N500 million each, seeks to dismantle barriers to financial access for nano, micro, and small enterprises (NMSEs).
According to Sani, the initiative will prioritise affordable loans for working capital and asset acquisition while fostering “a vibrant entrepreneurial culture that drives innovation and productivity.”
The Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA) will oversee implementation, ensuring funds reach underserved businesses, including women and youth-led ventures.
The governor emphasised that the scheme directly addresses “the root causes of financial exclusion, unemployment, and insecurity” by creating sustainable livelihoods.
Sani reiterated his administration’s resolve to deliver measurable outcomes, citing partnerships like the SMEDAN deal as catalysts for Kaduna’s economic resilience. “Through sustained innovation, we are unlocking opportunities and building a productive, prosperous state,” he affirmed.
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