MSMEs are agents for poverty reduction, says Hadiza Balarabe

Hadiza Balarabe, deputy governor of Kaduna, says micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES) are agents for reducing poverty.

Balarabe said this at the opening ceremony of the third edition of the Kaduna market trade fair at Murtala Mohammed square on Saturday.

She said the trade fair was developed to promote MSMEs in the country.

“There are many entrepreneurs and small businesses that are innovative and are prepared to feed markets yet to be identified by corporations and large businesses,” Balarabe said.

“These businesses are not known and cannot be given the chance to make their marks.

“This third edition of the Kaduna markets trade fair is designed for our micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to promote their products, goods and services.

“The first and second editions of this fair had huge attendance from within and outside the state. The state government is supporting this fair because of such benefits and the internationally known advantages associated with MSMEs in national development.” 

Balarabe said the United Nations recognises MSMEs as key drivers of employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship for women, youth and groups in vulnerable situations.

“Therefore, MSMEs are active agents for the reduction of poverty, redistribution of social classes in society, and closing the gender gap as they ensure women’s full and effective participation in the economy and in society,” she added. 

“Kaduna state is known for its active agricultural population and a leading producer of many crops.

“There are, therefore, many agro-allied industries in the area that are MSMEs. These MSMEs are active in the food production and processing value-chain in the state.

“Kaduna state government has since recognised their importance and is, therefore, set to not only support existing ones but cultivate the emergence of many more.

“Kaduna enterprise development agency (KADEDA) was, therefore, established with the mandate to make MSMEs in Kaduna state thrive through building their capacities to be stronger, sustainable and have access to both indigenous and global opportunities.”

The deputy governor added that the Kaduna investment promotion agency (KADIPA) ensures that obstacles to the ease of doing business in the state are removed for large businesses as well as MSMEs.

She also lauded the efforts of the Kaduna Market Management and Development Company for organising the trade fair, noting that it was another arm of government redesigning markets to international standards, thereby, attracting  foreign patrons.