By Adaeze Onuora
The federal government has announced plans to formalize one million businesses across Nigeria at a discounted rate.
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Tuesday when he launched the Expanded National MSME Clinic in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, marking the first stop on a nationwide journey to empower small and medium-sized businesses.
MSME Clinic, the first of its kind under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, aims to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by breaking down barriers and providing crucial resources.
Benue's pioneership of the MSME Clinic sets the stage for a nationwide rollout scheduled to traverse Ebonyi, Ogun, Delta, Kaduna, Borno, Katsina States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in a meticulously planned itinerary for the first half of 2024.
This will culminate in the National MSME Awards, a fitting celebration of entrepreneurial spirit coinciding with World MSME Day, on June 27, 2024 in Abuja.
Addressing a mammoth crowd of entrepreneurs and stakeholders at the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) square in Makurdi, VP Shettima emphasised the federal government's commitment to creating a thriving MSME ecosystem.
He acknowledged the crucial role MSMEs play in job creation and economic development, even as he pledged government's unwavering support to empower them.
"We have everything to guide your ambition," Senator Shettima assured while delivering his speech titled, "Benue State: Nurturing Enterprises, Embracing Prosperity."
Stating that his principal, President Tinubu, is committed to resolving the bottlenecks affecting the MSME space in Nigeria and will persist until these issues are resolved, the VP noted that the N75 billion loan scheme from Bank of Industry (BOI) and Access Bank's discounted N50 billion fund offer is already in place as crucial financial support for entrepreneurs.
He said, “We currently have in place a N75 billion 9% single-digit loan from BOI. Additionally, Access Bank has made N50 billion of their fund available to MSMEs at a discounted rate of 15%, which could significantly increase based on loan performance. Mr. President is committed to resolving the bottlenecks affecting the MSME space in Nigeria and will persist until these issues are resolved.”
The Vice President hailed the state's industrious spirit and entrepreneurial drive, describing it as a "beacon of inspiration" for the entire country.
"This clinic isn't just about fulfilling President Tinubu's promise," declared Shettima, adding that "it's a tribute to Benue's unmatched work ethic and entrepreneurial drive."
“Now, hear another piece of good news from Mr. President: His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed, has unveiled the plan to establish a world-class fashion hub in Makurdi for use by small businesses in the tailoring cluster in the state. This hub will be ready in 90 days,” the Vice President stated.
He also celebrated Aorkwagh Farms' work in regenerative farming and the "Made in Benue" brand's creativity as examples of the state's entrepreneurial spirit.
He assured participants that his administration was actively tackling these issues by streamlining processes, removing bottlenecks and enacting laws against extortion, including "matching ground."
