Zamfara State government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) for the development of small businesses across the state.
The signing of the MOU took place at Government House Gusau, the Zamfara State Capital.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of SMEDAN), Dr. Charles Odii, commended Zamfara State Government for its commitment to strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the establishment of the State MSME Council.
Dr. Odii described the initiative as imperative, stressing that, Zamfara had distinguished itself from other states by prioritising affordable funding, capacity building, and infrastructure support for small businesses.
He explained that, under Nigeria’s National MSME Policy, every state is expected to constitute an MSME Council chaired by the Governor.
While highlighting the uniqueness of the Zamfara partnership, Dr Odii noted that, unlike other states where loans are tied to higher interest rates, the Zamfara State Government insisted on a 5% single digit interest rate, showing that, the the administration is not interested in profit making but in empowering entrepreneurs.
“Part of the funds 10% will be set aside for capacity building because we discovered that, lack of skills often prevents small businesses from accessing and effectively using available funds”
This according to him, the intervention will cover three key areas such as workspace acquisition, purchase of work equipment, and expansion of working capital.
Odii also revealed that, SMEDAN has already completed a census of MSMEs across Zamfara’s local governments, providing reliable data to guide interventions and informed decision-making.
He lauded Governor Dauda Lawal’s dedication, describing him as a chief marketing officer for Zamfara who is working tirelessly to promote the state as an investment destination.
“What we are witnessing today is different. Zamfara has shown real commitment to small businesses, not just in words but in action. With this MoU, entrepreneurs in Zamfara will gain access to affordable funding, infrastructure, and the technical support they need to grow, export, and compete,” Odii affirmed.
According to him, the partnership is expected to trigger job creation, increase productivity, and drive inclusive economic development across Zamfara State.
Ealier, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State reiterated his administration’s determination to revive the state’s commercial and business potentials through strategic partnerships, support of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), and the provision of essential infrastructure.
Governor Lawal noted that supporting business community remains a top priority for his administration, stressing that Zamfara has historically been known as a commercial centre even before it became a state.
“We are very enterprising people. Our state has always thrived on agriculture, trade, and solid minerals. Over the years, we lost some of those values, but we are now making conscious efforts to revive them,” the governor said.
He also highlighted the launch of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) programme, which was designed to empower businesses and create opportunities for entrepreneurs across the state.
He added that such initiatives would not only boost economic activities but also reduce crime by engaging people productively.
“An ordinary Zamfara man is not asking for luxury only the ability to feed himself and provide basic needs for his family. That is not too much to ask from leaders, and we are determined to make it happen”
Governor Lawal also disclosed that, a new modern market under construction in Gusau will be completed in a few months, promising to invite stakeholders to its commissioning.
He insisting that there are leaders who are genuinely committed to serving their people with honesty and direction.
AMINU DALHATU
