Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has stressed the need for diversifying the state’s economy, moving beyond its reliance on oil.
During the inauguration of a capacity-building workshop for exporters at the Munaj Events Center, the governor highlighted the state’s rich natural resources, including those in agriculture, textiles, and minerals, which offer significant potential for economic growth.
The workshop, themed “Unlocking Export Potentials: Strategies for Success,” was organized by the Katsina State Investment Promotion Agency. The governor expressed his commitment to utilizing the state’s abundant resources and said the state was poised to tap into its full potential.
Governor Radda emphasized that Katsina has considerable competitive advantages in sectors such as agriculture, textiles, and mineral resources, which could greatly boost the state’s export capabilities.
He assured the participants that his administration would continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening the capacity of local exporters. The governor further encouraged the participants to use the insights gained from the workshop to improve their business operations and contribute to the state’s overall economic development.
“Our state is endowed with vast untapped potential in agriculture, textiles, and mineral resources that can substantially contribute to our export portfolio.
” This workshop represents our administration’s dedication to equipping our exporters with the necessary tools and knowledge to compete effectively in the global marketplace,” he said.
Earlier, the Director General of KIPA, Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi, stated that the event was in line with the administration’s commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises in the state. He explained that the workshop provided participants with training on essential aspects of international trade, including market access, quality assurance, digital marketing, and navigating international trade regulations.
Security stakeholders and government officials present at the event also expressed their support for the investment initiative. The State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar Musa, addressed concerns regarding regional security, reassuring investors that media reports often exaggerated challenges. He noted that over 70 percent of farmers had successfully cultivated their lands during the latest cropping season, contributing to stable commodity prices in local markets.
Commissioner Musa assured investors of the safety of their investments in Katsina, highlighting the successful agricultural season as evidence of improving security in farming communities.
Additionally, the State Comptroller of Immigration, Mohamed Mahmoud Adamu, offered his department’s support in facilitating documentation processes for exporters and investors, ensuring streamlined access to necessary business documentation for legitimate operators in the state.