Katsina State governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, appeared on Sunrise Daily, Channels Television’s flagship morning program, yesterday, where he shared insights on the newly signed tax reform law and highlighted Katsina State’s sustained progress in driving economic growth through Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Governor Radda expressed appreciation for the passage of the new tax law, noting that while Northern Governors initially raised reservations, their concerns were rooted in protecting citizens, not in opposition to the Federal Government.
“What we saw during that process was a demonstration of unity and support for the Nigerian government,” Governor Radda explained. “Our concern was always about the implication of any law on our people. Now that it has been signed with nationwide consensus, we expect this reform to support economic growth and improve living standards.”
He particularly highlighted the tax reliefs granted to small businesses under the new law, which he described as “a big win for the Nigerian economy.” Drawing from his experience as the former Director-General of SMEDAN (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria), the Governor said he had long championed policies that would relieve the burden on MSMEs.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy,” he said. “And I’m glad that after years of advocacy, we finally have a framework that reflects their importance.”
When asked about Katsina leading role in MSME support, as recently praised by the current DG of SMEDAN, Governor Radda detailed the significant institutional and financial investments made under his administration.
He noted that one of his earliest policy actions as governor was to establish the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) a dedicated body focused on MSME development. KASEDA, he said, was backed by law through the State House of Assembly and has been robustly funded to the tune of over ₦5 billion. That amount was further matched through partnerships with the Bank of Industry (BOI), Sterling Bank, and SMEDAN, bringing the total support to nearly ₦10 billion.
“But it wasn’t just about money,” Governor Radda stressed. “We undertook a baseline survey to categorize MSMEs across the state and rolled out a network of Business Development Agents (BDAs) in every ward. These agents were trained, given laptops, and positioned to guide local entrepreneurs with both technical and business support.”
He added that funding was carefully structured: some MSMEs received grants, others accessed interest-free loans while the state government absorbed both interest and administrative charges. The support extended beyond finance to include vocational training and infrastructure.
In collaboration with SMEDAN, the state’s Industrial Development Centre (IDC) was equipped with modern tools for ICT and fashion entrepreneurs. According to the Governor, the idea was to provide a working space for MSMEs who otherwise couldn’t afford such high-cost machinery.
“Our goal is simple,” he said. “Make Katsina a state where anyone with a skill or idea can succeed in business regardless of their background or resources.”
Governor Radda appearance on national television comes at a time when Katsina State is receiving growing attention for its structured economic interventions and grassroots empowerment programs. The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a strong, inclusive economy powered by local enterprises and sustained by good governance.
Press Released Signed Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
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