The Jigawa State government has invested N6 billion into the Bank of Industry (BOI) to facilitate easy access to soft loans for agriculture and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the state.
Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Dutse Government House, Governor Malam Umar Namadi stated that the project aims to support small and medium businesses, particularly in agriculture.
Governor Namadi explained, “Today’s occasion marks a milestone for this administration towards poverty alleviation through job creation and economic development for our people.”
He emphasised, “Empowering people through their own chosen businesses is a strategy we have adopted to accelerate growth and development in the state, and the Bank of Industry is a key partner in achieving these objectives.”
Namadi added, “With this MOU, we are committed to collaborating with BOI to facilitate access to soft loans for small, medium, and large-scale businesses in the state.”
“We are pleased to have a BOI branch in our state now, and all relevant state government agencies are fully engaged to educate Jigawa citizens and support them in accessing opportunities within the bank.”
“The government will ensure all necessary conditions set by the bank are met within the provisions of the law and the bank’s guidelines, to ensure our targeted people have access to loans as and when due.”
In his speech, the Executive Director of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at the Bank of Industry, Alhaji Shekarau Umar, stated that the N6 billion MOU signed with the Jigawa State government is the largest in the bank’s history with any state government.
He noted, “For the past 13 years, we have been advocating and writing letters for the establishment of a BOI branch in Jigawa State without positive feedback. However, within six months of engaging with Governor Umar Namadi, our dream of establishing a branch became a reality.”
Shekarau commended Governor Namadi for his commitment to empowering the people of Jigawa State, leading to poverty eradication, job creation, growth, and sustainable development.
“As we sign this MOU and inaugurate our Dutse branch today, we assure the Jigawa State government of our commitment to work at all levels to achieve our shared goals,” Umar declared.
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