At the National MSME Conference 2025 in Lagos, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) presented a distinguished recognition to His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, Executive Governor of Kaduna State, as the Supply Chain and Local Content Governor of the Year.
The award was presented by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh, in acknowledgement of Governor Sani’s far-reaching contributions to enterprise growth, local content development, and inclusive economic expansion.
This honour reinforces the Governor’s outstanding achievements in MSME empowerment and financing, initiatives that continue to uplift thousands of citizens while strengthening the state’s economic base.
Representing the Governor at the conference, the Honourable Commissioner of Business Innovation and Technology outlined a series of strategic interventions and high-impact programs implemented under the administration. Mrs Patience Fakai emphasised five core pillars that have positioned Kaduna State as a national leader in enterprise development:
- Direct Financial Support and Economic Injection
Governor Sani’s administration has injected more than ₦3 billion into the MSME landscape through the A Kori Talauci and Livelihood Support programmes. These interventions were especially geared towards women-owned and women-led businesses, resulting in:
- Improved productivity and stronger value-chain participation.
- Expanded market access and enhanced sustainability for enterprises in agriculture, trade, and services.
- Robust Capacity Building and Enterprise Development
Human capital development remains central to Kaduna’s strategy. The administration has implemented large-scale training initiatives that equip entrepreneurs with practical skills:
- 5,000 beneficiaries trained under the KADSTEP Business Management & Development Initiative, with a focus on business planning, financial discipline, and competitiveness.
- 2,000 nano and household-level entrepreneurs were empowered through the A Kori Talauci Access-to-Finance and Market Delivery Program, enabling improved access to microfinance, cooperatives, and structured markets.
- Tailored Women-Centred Economic Programs
Kaduna State continues to champion women’s participation in business through dedicated frameworks such as:
- The Women Business Clinics and a comprehensive Women’s Economic and Empowerment Policy.
- A substantial ₦5 billion funding provision to support women entrepreneurs, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to gender-inclusive economic development.
- Strategic Investment in Vocational and Skills Acquisition Centres
To address unemployment and meet modern labour needs, Kaduna State has built and fully equipped Vocational and Skills Acquisition Centres across the three senatorial zones. These centres provide high-quality training in 19 priority skills, including:
- Welding and fabrication
- Mechatronics and solar installation
- Fashion design
- Digital and ICT skills
These facilities are preparing thousands of young people for meaningful employment and enterprise creation.
- SMEDAN–KDSG Matching Funds Partnership
Kaduna State has fully met its obligation in the ₦1 billion SMEDAN–KDSG Matching Funds Scheme, ensuring seamless access to soft loans for nano, micro, and small enterprises. This collaboration strengthens business expansion opportunities, boosts productivity, and stimulates job creation across the state.
This award is a testament to Kaduna State’s deliberate and holistic approach, one that combines targeted financial support, enterprise skills development, gender-inclusive policies, and strategic partnerships to build a vibrant, competitive, and inclusive MSME ecosystem.
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