Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Kano’s position as a major economic powerhouse in Nigeria.
He made this known while declaring open the 46th Kano International Trade Fair organized by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.
Represented by his Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Dr. Ibrahim Nagwadu, the Vice President noted that as at the end of 2024, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contributed significantly to the nation’s economy, serving as a major source of employment and accounting for about 84% of the country’s workforce and 48% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He added that in recognition of the critical role SMEs play in national growth and development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has continued to introduce various policy initiatives aimed at supporting and expanding SME operations across the country.
According to him, these policies include the N200 billion Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund, the Agribusiness and Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme, and the Export Expansion Grant.