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Governor Radda Unveils Plan for Katsina State Development
Joel Ajayi
In order to effectively coordinate all activities that will foster the accelerated development of Katsina, the State Government said that it has concluded plans to establish a Development Management Board.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda disclosed this at the 15th meeting of the National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment.
While declaring the meeting open at the Katsina State Secretariat, Radda explained that the proposed Board will ensure all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, of the state civil service align with the state development objectives.
He remarked that the proposed Development Management Board is expected to contribute meaningfully to the state cooperation with the National Council on Industry, Trade and Investment.
The Governor observed that the theme of the 15th meeting of the Industry, Trade and Investment National Council, which is, “Digitalizing Industry, Trade and Investment for National Development,” resonates with the Katsina’s experience.
Radda, who said his administration had established a Directorate of Information, Communication and Technology, added that the Katsina Government would soon commence the digital enumeration of all SMEs in the state, and allow them to access government support directly through a dedicated portal.
While thanking the Council for selecting Katsina to host its meeting, he also expressed gratitude to the federal government for introducing policies and interventions that supported the economy of states.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Evelyn Ngige said the main purpose of their meeting was to provide a platform for participants to rub minds on issues affecting the nation’s economic growth.
This, she said, includes policies and programmes that would boost employment generation and wealth creation, among others for national prosperity.
Ngige identified their meeting’s theme ‘as very appropriate’ at a time relevant stakeholders are working with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to harness the potential of the industry and investment sector for national economy and creation of adequate jobs for teeming Nigerian youths.
News
AWESSA 2026: Customs Assures Border Cooperation for Women Entrepreneurs
By James Samuel, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service has said the nation’s borders must become gateways of opportunity for African women entrepreneurs, not obstacles that kill their businesses.
This was disclosed at the African Women’s Economic Sovereignty Summit and Awards (AWESSA) 2026 held at the Customs House, corporate headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, his representative, an Assistant Controller, said hosting the summit inside Customs premises was deliberate.
“That this summit holds within the Customs premises is no accident. It is a statement of intent,” he said.
“The border is where the promise of every African trader either comes alive or dies quietly. And the men and women of this Service have resolved that for every woman entrepreneur of this continent, that promise will never die.”
He said women account for an estimated 70% of informal cross-border trade in Africa and over half of agricultural labour, yet they face documentation, standards, finance and harassment challenges.
“Too often she meets the border as an obstacle rather than a gateway. Because she trades in small volumes, in cash, in informality without formal papers, capable business women are now trapped in informality, invisible to trade statistics,” he noted.
He added: “AfCFTA will not be delivered by treaties alone. It will be delivered at border posts, in conference halls, and in market stores.”
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, represented by a Director, said women are central to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
According to her, NEPC’s focus is now on building export- ready competitive enterprises through programmes like the Women in Export Initiative, Export Clinic, and Zero to Export.
“Our focus is no longer on encouraging exports alone, it is on building competitive export-ready enterprises. We are supporting women to move beyond production into value addition, quality assurance, standard compliance, branding and market positioning,” she said.
She said AfCFTA offers a market of over one billion people, but women need knowledge, certifications and institutional support.
“Empowering women economically is one of the most effective tools for achieving poverty reduction, food security, job creation and inclusive growth,” she stated.
The Convener, Helen Okon, who is the Publisher of Business Review Africa & Africa Today Magazine, as well as representatives of NAFDAC DG and NEXIM Bank MD, reaffirmed commitment to supporting women-owned businesses access standards, certification and finance.
The summit, with the theme of positioning women as drivers of trade and sustainable development, is part of activities marking the International Year of the Women Farmer.
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