Gov Yusuf disburses N55.8bn to empower street hawkers

Kano Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has disbursed a total of ₦55.8 million in grants to 1,116 street hawkers, roadside traders and vulcanisers under the state government’s small business support programme.

Each beneficiary received ₦50,000 to strengthen existing businesses and improve their means of livelihood as part of the administration’s efforts to support micro-enterprises and reduce poverty.

The intervention is aimed at boosting small-scale businesses, increasing household incomes and enhancing economic opportunities for vulnerable entrepreneurs across the state.

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The empowerment programme was announced during a ceremony at the Government House, Kano, where beneficiaries drawn from all 44 local government areas of the state received the financial support.

Gov Yusuf said the intervention is part of the administration’s commitment to supporting operators in the informal sector and promoting economic growth.

Governor Yusuf said the grants were intended to boost the working capital of petty traders, enabling them to expand their businesses and improve their income.

He acknowledged that while the ₦50,000 grant might not address all the financial challenges faced by beneficiaries, it would provide meaningful relief and enhance their purchasing power.

The governor noted that the exercise represents the second phase of the empowerment programme, recalling that 465 street traders benefited from the first phase.

He assured residents that another round of the initiative would be implemented before the end of the year to accommodate more young petty traders and further improve their productivity.

Governor Yusuf also thanked the beneficiaries for their continued support and confidence in his administration, saying their encouragement inspires the government to sustain people-oriented policies and programmes.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Cottage Trade and Street Hawking Agency, Hon. Ahmed Abubakar Bichi, said the agency was established under the Office of the Governor to improve the welfare and economic prospects of street hawkers, roadside traders, vulcanisers and other operators in the informal sector across Kano State.

He said the agency remains committed to implementing programmes that will strengthen small businesses and improve the livelihoods of thousands of informal sector operators across the state.