ENUGU – Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
Speaking while declaring open Expanded National MSME Clinic
in Enugu on Thursday , Senator Kashim Shettima emphasized the significance of MSMEs in driving economic growth and development.
The Expanded National MSME Clinic was organized by the office of the Vice President in collaboration with the Enugu state government.
The Vice President who also during his visit Commissioned the Enugu State Fashion and Garment Hub said Nigeria’s youthful population, with an average age of 16.9, presents immense opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation noting that Nigeria boasts more English speakers than India, making it an attractive destination for investment.
The Vice President highlighted the challenges faced by MSMEs, including infrastructure and access to finance.
He emphasized the need for practical solutions and effective governance to address these issues.
To support MSME growth, Shettima announced the allocation of N150,000 each to outstanding SMEs, totaling 200 beneficiaries. adding that initiative aims to boost productivity and manufacturing in Nigeria.
He Emphasized the crucial role of MSMEs in Nigeria’s economic development expressing optimism that addressing the challenges faced by MSMEs, Nigeria can unlock its full potential for economic growth and development.
According to him, the Expanded National MSME Clinic in Enugu is part of the federal government’s efforts to provide support to entrepreneurs across the country. Similar clinics have been launched in other states, including Ekiti and Benue .
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In his address, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State commended Vice President Shetima for his unwavering support for the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
Governor Mbah praised Shetima’s commitment to empowering MSMEs, citing the recent commissioning of the Enugu State Fashion and Garment Hub as a testament to his dedication
“The Vice President’s presence in Enugu, just days after participating in the United Nations General Assembly, demonstrates his strong commitment to MSME growth and his affection for Enugu State”.
Governor Mbah expressed gratitude for the Vice President’s thorough commitment to assessing the destruction caused by flooding in the region and offered heartfelt sympathies to those affected.
Governor Mbah emphasized that MSMEs account for almost 90% of businesses in Nigeria, making them the backbone of the economy.
The Governor said his administration has demonstrated extensive and sustainable support for MSME growth, earning recognition through the National MSME award.
Governor Mbah noted that MSMEs face significant challenges, including limited resistance capacity, making initiatives like the Expanded National MSME Clinic crucial for their survival.
He said the Expanded National MSME Clinic provides a dynamic platform for MSMEs to access essential support from government agencies and private sector stakeholders adding that the clinic offers solutions for business challenges, such as regulatory programs, access to finance, and low-interest loans “this initiative fosters open private collaboration aimed at empowering MSMEs and promoting sustainable economic development across multiple sectors.
The Governor said the support for MSMEs in Enugu State is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy with the government’s commitment to providing infrastructure, security, and efficient legal frameworks, MSMEs in Enugu are poised for growth and innovation”
Governor Mbah thereby lauded Vice President Shetima’s commitment to MSME growth underscore the importance of collaboration in driving economic development in Nigeria noting “As Enugu State continues to support MSMEs, the region is likely to witness significant economic growth and transformation,” he said
