The Niger State Government has set aside N1 billion to enable indigenes of the state benefit from the Small and Medium Entrepreneurship (SME) Credit Scheme of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2018.

Governor Abubakar Bello disclosed this in the 2018 budget, tagged: “Peoples Budget,” awaiting the approval of the state’s House of Assembly.

Bello said: “This will stimulate the state’s economy through Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurship development and create jobs.

“The state government has concluded plans to construct 50 units of SME factories at New Bussa, Suleja and Mokwa local government areas.

“In 2018, work will continue on Suleja and Mariga International markets while the provision of infrastructure at Babanna International Market will also be carried out.”

The governor added that his administration would redouble its resolve to explore and harness all solid minerals and oil exploration activities to further enhance the state’s revenue base.