Katsina Govt Approves Grants for 62,000 Small Businesses

The Katsina State Government has approved the disbursement of grants to 62,000 nano, micro, and small business owners as part of a broader strategy to stimulate grassroots economic growth and strengthen enterprise development across the state.

The approval was granted during the 7th Regular Council Meeting (2026) of the State Executive Council, held at the Red Chamber of the General Muhammadu Buhari House in Katsina and chaired by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, said the decision aligns with the administration’s “Building Your Future” Agenda, which focuses on people-centred policies and inclusive economic development.

According to the Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprises Development Agency (KASEDA), Dr. Babangida Ruma, the grant programme is designed to provide direct working capital support to small businesses operating at the grassroots level across all 34 local government areas.

“This programme is designed to provide working capital support to grassroots enterprises in order to strengthen their businesses and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of citizens across the state,” Ruma said.

Beyond the grant initiative, the Council also approved several infrastructure and sectoral projects aimed at accelerating development. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, QS Umar Samaila, confirmed the approval for the construction and asphalting of the Rahamawa–Gidan Shehi Namadi–Inwala Jan Gefe–Ring Road in Katsina metropolis.

“The project will significantly improve road durability, ensure safer movement of people and goods, and stimulate economic activities within the urban corridor,” he stated.

In the agricultural sector, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Lawal Aliyu Shargalle, disclosed that the Council approved the procurement of heavy-duty equipment to support the rehabilitation, construction, and dredging of irrigation earth dams.

“These machines will strengthen irrigation farming, livestock production, and fisheries development, thereby creating jobs and improving livelihoods across rural communities,” Shargalle said.

The Managing Director of Katsina Exploration and Mining Company (KEMCO), Bello Doro, also confirmed the approval for the procurement of exploration and mining equipment for sites located in Tama, Tandama, and Kankara.

“The initiative will enable the company to boost revenue generation, support economic diversification, and curb illegal mining activities that have contributed to insecurity in mineral-rich areas,” he noted.

In a related development, the Council approved the free transportation and distribution of fertiliser for the 2026 rainy season across all 361 wards in the state. The measure, according to officials, is intended to ensure timely and transparent access to subsidised inputs for genuine farmers without the involvement of intermediaries.

On education reform, the government also approved recommendations aimed at restructuring the Almajiri, Tsangaya, and Islamiyya systems into a unified Khalwa Tsangaya Qur’anic model. The Special Adviser on Qur’anic Education and Out-of-School Children, Dr. Tasiu Dandagoro, said the plan includes the establishment of four pilot model schools, including a dedicated female school in Katsina metropolis.

“The approved recommendations include the establishment of four pilot Khalwa Qur’anic model schools—one in each senatorial zone and one female school in Katsina metropolis,” he said.

The State Government noted that the approvals collectively reinforce its commitment to economic empowerment, infrastructure expansion, agricultural productivity, and human capital development under its long-term development agenda.