The Yobe State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), with plans to explore strategic interventions, including interest-free loans, to support traders, stimulate business growth, and enhance economic development across the state.
- +Buni moves to empower traders, weighs interest-free loans to boost SMEs in Yobe
Alhaji Muhammad Alkali, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Small and Medium Scale Industries Credit Board, disclosed this during a meeting with leaders of the Yobe State Harmonized Traders Association in Damaturu.
Alhaji Muhammad Alkali, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Small and Medium Scale Industries Credit Board, disclosed this during a meeting with leaders of the Yobe State Harmonized Traders Association in Damaturu.
He said the engagement was in line with Governor Mai Mala Buni’s determination to deepen collaboration with the business community, identify challenges affecting traders, and implement practical solutions to improve their operations.
According to Alkali, Buni directed the agency to engage directly with traders and business groups to better understand their concerns and provide recommendations that would strengthen commerce and entrepreneurship in the state.
“The governor wants to hear directly from the business community. He instructed us to meet with them, understand their challenges, and present their concerns to him so that appropriate action can be taken,” he said.
Alkali explained that access to capital emerged as one of the major concerns raised during the meeting, with many traders highlighting the impact of prevailing economic conditions on their businesses.
He noted that participants proposed the introduction of government-backed, interest-free loans to help traders expand their capital base, sustain their businesses, and create more economic opportunities.
“Many of the traders expressed concerns over inadequate capital and are seeking government support to remain competitive and grow their businesses,” he stated.
He assured the traders that their requests would be conveyed to Governor Buni, expressing confidence that the administration would give due consideration to their concerns.
He emphasized the vital role of SMEs in driving economic growth, wealth creation, and employment generation, describing the sector as the backbone of a resilient economy.
Alkali also urged young people to embrace entrepreneurship and leverage their skills, creativity, and talents to become self-reliant rather than depending solely on government employment.
“The realities of today’s economy require young people to think beyond government jobs. We encourage our youths to harness their talents, explore business opportunities, and build sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their communities,” he said.
In his remarks, Mohammed Muktar Kime, the Chairman of the Yobe State Harmonized Traders Association, commended Governor Buni’s administration for its sustained investment in commercial infrastructure and support for the business community.
He described the construction of modern markets across the state as a transformative initiative that has significantly improved the business environment and boosted commercial activities.
“On behalf of traders across Yobe State, we appreciate Governor Mai Mala Buni for prioritizing commerce and trade. The modern markets established by the government have greatly enhanced business activities and created a more conducive environment for traders to thrive,” Kime said.
The meeting reflects the Buni administration’s broader commitment to fostering an enabling environment for businesses, empowering entrepreneurs, and positioning Yobe as a hub for sustainable economic growth and private-sector development.
