Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has outlined ambitious plans to leverage capital market opportunities for infrastructure development and economic growth during a boardroom meeting at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) in Lagos. The meeting was held as part of the NGX Closing Gong Ceremony, a symbolic event marking the end of the trading session.
Key Areas of Focus
Governor Radda presented his administration’s “Building Your Future” agenda, positioning Katsina as a prime investment destination in Nigeria. He emphasized the state’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment, attracting investors, and driving job creation and sustainable growth.
Key highlights of his address included plans to explore alternative financing options, particularly through Sukuk bonds and Green Bonds, to fund critical infrastructure projects. “We aim to tap into the capital markets via NGX to finance major development projects in Katsina. Additionally, we seek NGX’s collaboration to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state,” Governor Radda stated.
He further noted that Katsina State is implementing broad-based economic reforms across priority sectors, ensuring institutional stability to create a private sector-driven economy. As part of this strategy, he invited NGX’s leadership to visit Katsina to explore Islamic finance products and other market-driven investment opportunities.
NGX Welcomes Katsina’s Partnership
In response, NGX Group Chairman, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga, welcomed the collaboration and reiterated NGX’s role as Africa’s leading market infrastructure company. He highlighted NGX’s transformation from the Lagos Stock Exchange (1960) to a full-fledged financial services provider, offering securities listing, trading, regulatory services, and market data solutions through its subsidiaries: NGX Exchange, NGX REGCO, and NGX RELCO.
The ceremony concluded with Governor Radda sounding the Closing Gong, accompanied by senior officials from the Katsina State Government and NGX leadership. Attendees included Chief of Staff Hon. Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, Principal Private Secretary Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs Hon. Abba Jaye, Chief Economic Adviser Khalil Nur Khalil, and Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Relations Hon. Hadiza Maikudi.
