The Katsina government has engaged investors and entrepreneurs to enhance financial literacy and access to financial facilities to bolster economic growth and development.

Ibrahim Jikamshi, the director-general of the Katsina Investment Promotion Agency, said this at the Investors and Entrepreneurs Engagement session on Thursday in Katsina.

He said the engagement would facilitate discussion between the financial service providers and business owners.

“Financial literacy is key to sustainable business growth, so this session will also focus on enhancing your understanding of financial management, credit scores, and the importance of a sound business,” he said.

According to Mr Jikamshi, Nigeria ranked 170 in the 2014 Ease of Business global index, and in 2020, it ranked 131, indicating an improvement from 53.4 to 56.9 per cent.

He said this was achieved due to proactive measures adopted by the federal government to enhance the ease of doing business in the country.

He said that Katsina state was also ranked fifth in the country due to its commitment to promote ease of doing business.

“Katsina ranks fifth in the nation in ease of doing business and will continue to implement reforms in that regard,” said Mr Jikamshi.

Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal-Jobe said the current Katsina government had increased investment in the state-owned Amana Micro-finance Bank to enhance access to credit facilities.

Mr Lawal-Jobe said the bank set up 15 branches to enhance access to credit facilities for small businesses at the grassroots. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enabling businesses to thrive in Katsina.

(NAN)