In a major step toward economic revitalization and poverty reduction, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto (FCNA, PhD), has officially flagged off the disbursement of ₦2.5 billion to 14,000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the state.
The grant distribution marks the implementation of the second phase of the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Result Area 3.2 Programme, facilitated through the Sokoto State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SOSMEDA) in partnership with the Federal Government and the World Bank.

Key Highlights of the Phase II Disbursement
The ₦2.5 billion intervention is designed to reach business owners across all 244 political wards in Sokoto State:

Expanded Coverage: A total of 14,000 Nano, Micro, and Small Enterprises are set to benefit, significantly scaling up from the 8,590 beneficiaries supported with ₦1.5 billion during the first phase.
Increased Grant Thresholds:

Nano Enterprises: ₦100,000 for petty traders, artisans, and informal vendors.
Micro Enterprises: ₦200,000 for structured small-scale businesses.
Small Enterprises: Up to ₦500,000 (increased from ₦300,000 in Phase I) for registered businesses with staff.

Alignment with Strategic Plan: The initiative directly supports Governor Aliyu’s 9-Point SMART Agenda, aimed at driving economic growth, creating jobs, and transforming Sokoto State into a regional commercial hub.

Executive Remarks
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Government House, Sokoto, Governor Ahmed Aliyu urged all beneficiaries to utilize the grants strictly for business growth and capital strengthening.
“Every great business begins with small steps, and its success lies in careful management and wise use of resources. This ₦2.5 billion intervention is a grant, not a loan—we expect you to invest it judiciously into your enterprises to generate employment and support your families.”
— Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, Executive Governor of Sokoto State
The Governor also commended development partners, including the World Bank, the Bank of Industry (BOI), the Federal CARES Coordinating Unit, and SOSMEDA leadership, for their commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs.

Impact & Execution
The Executive Secretary of SOSMEDA, Hajia Binta Usman, highlighted that disbursements are made directly into verified accounts to ensure transparency and seamless access. She expressed appreciation to Governor Aliyu for his continuous financial support toward MSME development, noting that Sokoto’s economic interventions continue to serve as a model for sustainable community resilience.