Kaduna: Governor Sani launches inclusive business strategy

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has unveiled the Inclusive Business Strategy Document to enable economic growth to translate into widespread opportunities.

The unveiling was done at a Business Breakfast, which was organised by the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) on Wednesday, where a cross-section of the business community and senior government officials had an interface.

The document, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria, is a comprehensive roadmap designed to integrate low-income communities into the economic value chain, foster gender equality, and create sustainable livelihoods.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, noted that “the Inclusive Business Strategy is more than just a policy framework; it is a roadmap to shared prosperity.”

According to her, the document aligns with the Kaduna State Development Plan and its 2025 budget, adding that “it underscores our resolve to drive inclusive development, economic diversification, and human capital growth.”

The Deputy Governor argued that “through this strategy, we affirm a fundamental principle: economic growth must be for all, and not just a privileged few.”

She described Kaduna State as a hub of economic potential, which boasts a thriving agricultural sector, a growing manufacturing base, as well as investments in technology and renewable energy.

The Deputy Governor pointed out that “in Kaduna State, we understand that economic growth must be equitable; it must include the marginalised and empower the underserved.

“This is not just a moral imperative but a pragmatic one, as inclusive business strategies pave the way for innovation, resilience, and social cohesion.

“Each of us plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our local economies flourish and that prosperity is widely shared among our citizens,” Dr Balarabe added.

In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of KADIPA, Malam Sadiq Mohammed, noted that Kaduna State is blessed with abundant resources and vibrant human capital.

“However, like many developing regions, we face the challenge of ensuring that economic growth translates into widespread opportunities for all—especially for marginalised communities, women, youth, and people with disabilities in business,” he added.

The Executive Secretary promised that the Inclusive Business Strategy will leverage innovative business models, strategic partnerships, and financing mechanisms, aimed at unlocking “the untapped potential of our people and industries.”

According to him, the Business Breakfast offered “an opportunity for all of us—government leaders, business innovators, development partners, and community stakeholders—to collaborate, align our goals, and lay the foundation for a thriving ecosystem of inclusive businesses in Kaduna State.”