The Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) has urged governors in the country to emulate the industrial development strategies implemented by Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State.
At a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by NASSI’s national president, Chief Dr. Solomon Daniel Vongfa, at the weekend, the association lauded Governor Namadi for finalising an industrial development agreement and inaugurating a Bank of Industry office in Dutse, the state capital.
Jigawa made history by finalising the N6 billion agreement with the bank to provide development loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the state.
In an interview with journalists, NASSI’s national treasurer, Dr. Abubakar Tanko Bala, expressed optimism that adopting Jigawa’s approach could effectively tackle Nigeria’s unemployment and economic challenges. He emphasised the critical role of such initiatives in addressing the country’s economic issues.
Dr. Bala highlighted that bolstering industrial capacity at the state level could significantly enhance internally generated revenue, reducing reliance on federal allocations.
NASSI urged other states to follow Jigawa’s lead to bolster the economic prosperity of their residents.
The agreement aims to provide financial assistance to SMEs engaged in manufacturing various products, including bricks, tiles, paints, cosmetics, and furniture.
