Katsina State Advances Trade Facilitation Infrastructure

Katsina State is set to enhance its trade facilitation infrastructure following the approval of the second phase of its trade facilitation center project by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. This phase aims to establish coordinating offices across local government areas, making Katsina the first state in Nigeria to fully implement a comprehensive trade facilitation structure.

Rabi U. Yusuf Jirded, the state commissioner for commerce, industry, and tourism, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Katsina Trade Facilitation Center Stakeholders Forum. The initiative is supported by Hajiya Aisha Abdullahi, the permanent secretary of the ministry, and is seen as a significant step towards aligning the state with global trade standards.

Dr. Bala Mahmoud Abubakar, the trade facilitator for the state government, emphasized that the concept extends beyond the physical movement of goods and services, involving the flow of information and active participation from stakeholders, including government agencies and the private sector. Usman Dalhatu, the state coordinator, expressed confidence that this initiative will connect Katsina's entrepreneurs to the global trade network.