Governor Dauda Lawal has flagged off the distribution business grant worth over a billion naira to various business entrepreneurs across the state.
The initiative which is part of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) is a World Bank initiative, carefully designed to dismantle barriers, stimulate private enterprise, and generate sustainable jobs for the people of Zamfara.
Sulaiman Bala Idris the spokesman of Zamfara Governor stated that the flagg off ceremony took place at the JB Yakubu Secretariat in Gusau the Zamfara State capital on Thursday.
Idris in the statement said Governor Dauda Lawal has assured local entrepreneurs that Zamfara State is on a new path and is making significant strides, transforming from a state once dominated by challenges.
The statement added that, “N150,000 will be distributed to 2,000 beneficiaries across the state to support nano and micro businesses. Additionally, 1,000 individuals in small and medium-sized businesses will receive N500,000 each. Furthermore, 60 people from medium—and large-scale businesses will benefit from a grant of N5 million each”.
Governor Lawal noted that SABER is not an ordinary intervention, affirming that the total amount allocated for the disbursement component of the program is approximately N1.1 billion, with funding support ranging from $20 million USD to $52 million USD between 2022 and 2026.
“We are gathered today to launch the program with the commencement of the disbursement of money to support various categories of businessmen and women throughout the state.
“There are three main categories of disbursements to be made. We have carefully reviewed relevant government institutions and the private sector, represented by the Chamber of Commerce leadership, to select beneficiaries in each support category.
Governor Lawal further stressed that the SABER program, coordinated by the Ministry of Budget and Planning, is implemented by various MDAs, including the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, ZAGIS, and others like Finance, Agriculture, and Justice. It also involves the Internal Revenue Service, Housing Corporation, and ZITDA, working in conjunction with the Ease of Doing Business Committee.
Earlier, the CEO/Director General of Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, commended Governor Dauda Lawal for his numerous efforts to support local businesses in Zamfara State.
“I am glad that His Excellency the governor is not paying lip service to developing small businesses in Nigeria. I was sitting there, hearing that 2,000 businesses will get N150,000. I think it is important that if a small business owner gets N150,000, he will employ one person.”
