Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the Tinubu administration is building an enterprise-driven economy where Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are creating jobs, improving livelihoods and transforming communities across Nigeria.
Speaking at the 8th National MSME Awards in Abuja, Shettima, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the Federal Government is creating an environment that allows small businesses to thrive through infrastructure, financial support and economic reforms.
According to him, MSMEs account for about 90 percent of businesses in Nigeria and employ more than 60 million Nigerians, making them a vital part of the country’s economy.
“Our MSMEs are improving the livelihoods of Nigerians and transforming communities through the prosperity they create,” he said.
The Vice President highlighted some of the administration’s achievements, including the establishment of 21 Shared Infrastructure Facilities, which he said have supported the creation of over 650,000 jobs.
He also disclosed that the government has expanded access to funding through the ₦75 billion MSME Intervention Fund, the ₦50 billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, and other intervention programmes targeted at women, youths and export-oriented businesses.
Shettima encouraged entrepreneurs to remain innovative, assuring them of continued government support.
“Nigeria needs your ideas, your jobs and your leadership. We will continue building a nation where small businesses can grow into large enterprises and prosperity is shared by all,” he added.
The Vice President also unveiled a book titled “Building Nigeria, Empowering MSMEs”, which documents the Federal Government’s initiatives and interventions aimed at supporting small businesses.
