Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to economic growth by boosting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Vice President made the remark while declaring open the 46th Kano Trade Fair on Tuesday in Kano.
Shettima, who was represented by Ibrahim Nagwandu, his Senior Special Adviser on Technical Matters, reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to initiating policies and programmes aimed at boosting the economy, agriculture, and the mining sector, among other key sectors.
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“The theme of this year’s Trade Fair: “Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Development” aptly resonates with the Federal Government’s commitment to the use of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as a tool for catalyzing growth and development of the Nigerian Economy. The Federal Government, therefore, remains committed to supporting Kano’s role as a major economic powerhouse in Nigeria,” he said.
On his part, Hassan Usman Darma, president, Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry,Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA), said, they are working closely with the Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS) to conduct an enlightenment programme and a townhall to educate the Kano business community on the new Tax Reforms.
Darma, disclosed this during his address at the opening ceremony of the 46th Kano International Trade Fair,on Tuesday.
“KACCIMA is working closely with the Federal Inland Revenue Service(FIRS) to implement comprehensive enlightenment and townhall engagements for the Kano business community on the new Tax Reforms scheduled to commence in January 2026,” Darma said.
He said the initiative is part of the chamber’s commitment to ensure that SME’s adapt to reforms “from a position of knowledge rather than uncertainty.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s economic policies.
“Although some of these reforms may initially appear demanding, I believe that with understanding and resilience, their long-term effects will be favourable for national stability, investment confidence and SME growth,” he added.
He also thanked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State for his support to the commercial sector, adding, ”his administration’s commitment to security and the creation of an enabling environment has been instrumental to our successes.”
“As we officially open the 46th Kano International Trade Fair, I affirm my belief that the future of Kano’s economy rests on innovation,strategic partnerships and strength of our SMEs. Let us use this platform to build new connections,explore investment opportunities,and inspire creativity that drives sustainable growth,” he said.
Also speaking, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, represented by Shehu Wada Sagagi, commissioner of commerce and investments, expressed readiness to continue supporting the trade fair and the chamber in general for economic growth.
