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From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Alternative Bank (AltBank), leading Nigerian non-interest bank, has announced a dedicated Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) support package offering free payment solutions, zero cost digital onboarding and targeted advisory support to traders and entrepreneurs across Northern Nigeria.
The Executive Director (North), at The Alternative Bank, Garba Mohammed, who made the announcement at the 46th Kano International Trade Fair (KITF) said the intervention reinforces the Bank’s commitment to using sustainability centred non-interest finance to unlock growth for businesses and strengthen regional commerce.
The Executive Director acknowledged Kano as widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria which have continued to serve as a hub for resilience, trade and innovation.
He said AltBank is participating in this year’s fair with a clear goal to help Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) access the tools, capital and advisory they need to move from survival to sustainable expansion.
Mohammed described the Bank’s role as one that goes beyond conventional lending saying “At The Alternative Bank we see ourselves as a catalyst for shared prosperity. Hence, we will continue to seek out partnerships that drive growth, uplift individuals, strengthen communities, and unlock the potential of businesses.”
Mohammed, who was represented by The Alternative Bank’s Regional Business Executive (North West 2), Aliyu Wada-Nas, further highlighted the central role of MSMEs in Nigeria’s economic future and called for closer collaboration among stakeholders.
“The nations that lead tomorrow are those that empower their small businesses today. Government, financial institutions, development partners and SMEs can work together to unlock a new era of sustainable and inclusive growth for Kano, for Northern Nigeria and for our country,” he said.
“At The Alternative Bank, small businesses are not an afterthought. They sit at the core of our mission to establish Nigeria as a stronghold for international trade and long-term economic resilience.”
According to him, SMEs are estimated to account for over 90 percent of businesses in Nigeria, employ a significant share of the workforce and contribute a substantial portion to the national GDP. Yet many still struggle with limited access to finance, weak infrastructure, digital exclusion and restricted market reach.
“Looking to bridge this gap, AltBank has significantly enhanced its support for the segment through a series of impactful initiatives. The Bank recently secured a $15 million facility to boost its capacity for trade and commodity finance, further strengthening its commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and empowering SMEs across Nigeria.”
The trade fair was convened under theme, “Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Development: The Pathway to Inclusive Growth” the discussions sought to explore key pathways to MSME growth through discussions on economic opportunities, tax reforms, financing options, digital technology, and climate resilience.
It also featured a special business seminar, organised by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (KACCIMA).
