GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISE SUPPORT PROGRAMMES AND MSE SUSTAINABILITY IN NORTHERN NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM THE KATSINA STATE ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (KASEDA)

This study examined government enterprise support programmes and the sustainability of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Northern Nigeria, using the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) as a case study. A descriptive qualitative case study design was adopted, drawing primarily on KASEDA's 2025 Impact Report and January–May 2026 Programmes and Interventions Key Impacts Report, complemented by relevant peer-reviewed studies, government publications, and policy documents. Data were analysed using descriptive document analysis and thematic content analysis, with findings triangulated across documentary and external sources. The study was anchored on the Resource-Based Theory and Quadruple Helix Theory. The findings indicate that KASEDA's integrated interventions in interest-free financing, skills development, digital transformation, and enterprise formalisation were associated with reported improvements in market expansion, production capacity, technical competence, digital capability, and business formalisation. However, low programme participation, apprenticeship attrition, gender disparities in access to financing, and coordination and data-integration challenges remain important constraints. The study contributes empirically by providing case-based evidence on an integrated state-level enterprise support model in Northern Nigeria, theoretically by demonstrating the complementary relevance of resource provision and multi stakeholder collaboration, and practically by identifying implementation areas requiring attention. The study recommends strengthening programme outreach, apprentice retention, gender-inclusive access, programme monitoring, and stakeholder coordination.