Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has commissioned the newly established Katsina Trade Facilitation Centre—an historic breakthrough that firmly positions Katsina as a rising force in national and global commerce.
The commissioning, held Wednesday at the Centre in Katsina, marks a defining milestone for the State. The facility becomes only the second Trade Facilitation Centre in Nigeria—and the first sub-national one backed by formal legislation.
Governor Radda described the achievement as a bold step that aligns Katsina with global trade standards and unlocks unprecedented opportunities for economic growth and market expansion.
Governor Radda explained that the Centre stands as proof of the administration’s commitment to building an enabling environment where businesses can start, grow, collaborate, and compete, not only within Nigeria but across international borders.
He noted that the Centre will serve as a critical engine for import and export processes, enhancing Katsina’s competitiveness and strengthening the State’s foothold in global markets.
Reflecting on his earlier national experience at SMEDAN, Governor Radda recalled being part of the team involved in establishing Nigeria’s National Trade Facilitation Centre. Today, he stated, Katsina is building upon that foundation—bringing global trade architecture to the State level for the first time in the North-West.
The Governor thanked the consultants, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and all partners who contributed to the Centre’s success. He announced that he has already issued a directive for the creation of coordinating trade offices in all 34 LGAs, a move aimed at decentralising trade activities, energising local economies, and improving the quality of life for residents across the State.
Governor Radda then formally commissioned the Katsina Trade Facilitation Centre, dedicating it to the people of Katsina State.
He reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing initiatives that uplift communities, expand economic opportunities, and help local businesses access global markets. “This Centre,” he said, “is commissioned for the benefit of Katsina—and indeed, for Nigeria as a whole.”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce and Tourism, Hon. Yusuf Jirdede, described the newly trade Facilitation Centre as one of the major legacies of the present administration.
He observed that for many years, Katsina’s products were perceived as limited to local markets, but this Centre has completely changed that perception.
He noted that the facility now gives Katsina direct access to the World Trade Centre, offering the State international visibility and giving global investors a window into its products, opportunities, and potential.
He added that during the recent economic summit, it became clear that Katsina was doing a great deal but was not showcasing itself enough on the global stage. he said, “ the center will bridge that gap.”
Dr. Bala Mahmoud Abubakar, State Coordinator of the Bauchi Trade Facilitation Centre, described the establishment of the Centre as timely, strategic, and forward-looking. He noted that Katsina’s Centre is the second of its kind in Nigeria—the first being in Bauchi in 2022—but emphasized that Katsina’s facility surpasses the earlier model in its structure, capacity, and overall strategic design.
He stressed that Katsina is emerging as a national model in trade facilitation, noting that it is the first State in Nigeria to pass formal legislation before establishing such a Centre—a development he described as “remarkable and nationally significant.” He emphasized the need for full implementation so that Katsina becomes first in operation, not just second in sequence.
He praised Governor Radda vision and longstanding legacy from his SMEDAN years, describing Katsina’s pace of development as “a phenomenon, not just progress.” He noted that the Centre is designed to directly link Katsina to global markets and represents a major step forward in the State-level implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.
He announced that today’s commissioning marks Phase One, while Phase Two will see the establishment of coordinating trade offices across all 34 LGAs creating a complete, end-to-end trade facilitation ecosystem for Katsina.
He further highlighted that the Centre strengthens inter-agency collaboration with institutions such as KIPA, enabling them to jointly attract investments and drive the State’s economic transformation.
The Coordinator concluded by congratulating Governor Radda and the Katsina business community, expressing honour in being part of this historic achievement and reaffirming that the Centre will connect Katsina’s entrepreneurs and industries to global trade networks.
Those in attendance included the DG of KATDICT, Naufal Ahmed; Economic Adviser Khalil Nura Khalil; DG KIPA, Ibrahim Jikamshi; and other senior government officials.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.