Katsina moves to lead Nigeria in trade facilitation infrastructure

The Katsina State Government has revealed that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has approved the execution of the second phase of the state’s trade facilitation centres project. This phase will ensure the establishment of coordinating offices across all local government areas. It was stated that upon completion, Katsina state will become the first state in Nigeria […]

The Katsina State Government has revealed that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has approved the execution of the second phase of the state’s trade facilitation centres project.
This phase will ensure the establishment of coordinating offices across all local government areas.
It was stated that upon completion, Katsina state will become the first state in Nigeria to fully establish a comprehensive trade facilitation structure.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Rabi’u Yusuf Jirdede, during the inauguration of the Katsina Trade Facilitation Centre Stakeholders Forum.
Speaking at the event, which also marked the commissioning of the Katsina Trade Facilitation Centre, the commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hajiya Aisha Abdullahi; said the initiative has firmly positioned Katsina as an emerging force in both national and global commerce.

 

He noted that the establishment of the facility makes Katsina the second state in Nigeria to host a Trade Facilitation Centre, and the first sub-national entity to back such an initiative with formal legislation. According to him, this represents a bold step toward aligning the state with global trade standards and unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and market expansion.

 

Jirdede added that the centre reflects the administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where businesses can start, grow, collaborate, and compete, not only within Nigeria but also in international markets.

 

Similarly, the lead consultant to the Katsina State Government on trade facilitation, Dr. Bala Mahmoud Abubakar, explained that the concept goes beyond the physical movement of goods and services.

 

He said it also involves the flow of information and active participation of key stakeholders, including government agencies and the private sector.

 

He described Katsina as an emerging national model in trade facilitation and called for sustained support toward the effective implementation of the centre’s strategic plan.

 

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the centre, Usman Dalhatu, expressed confidence that the initiative will connect Katsina’s entrepreneurs and industries to global trade networks.