Vice President Kashim Shettima,
yesterday announced the Federal Government's plans to formalize one million
businesses across Nigeria at a discounted rate.
This was disclosed in a statement
issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity,
Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.
The Vice President disclosed the
plan 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, was designed 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 celebration of entrepreneurial spirit coinciding with
World MSME Day, on June 27, 2024 in Abuja.
Addressing a crowd of
entrepreneurs and stakeholders at the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) Square
in Makurdi, 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," Shettima assured while delivering his speech entitled,
"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 nine per cent single-digit loan from BoI. Additionally,
Access Bank has made N50 billion of their fund available to MSMEs at a
discounted rate of 15per cent, 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
"it's a tribute to Benue's unmatched work ethic and entrepreneurial
drive."
Lauding the state's dedication to
agriculture, art and commerce, he pointed out that “these stand as a testament
to the remarkable productivity ingrained within the core of Benue State.
"Every business owner in
Benue, whether in Makurdi or Otukpo, Gboko or Katsina-Ala, is a priority,"
he added.
Shettima also announced plans by
President Tinubu for a world-class fashion hub in Makurdi, dedicated to the
state's thriving tailoring cluster which, according to him, is set to be
operational within 90 days.
“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.
Earlier in his address, the state
Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, declared that the state is open for business,
just as he emphasized the state's commitment to supporting and empowering small
and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) as a key driver of economic growth.
The Governor highlighted the
diverse range of MSMEs thriving in Benue, from organic food producers like
Andor Global Foods to innovative motorcycle builders and traditional attire
weavers.
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.
Governor Alia who lauded their
contributions to local agriculture, healthy living and cultural heritage
however acknowledged the challenges faced by MSMEs, including insecurity,
regulatory hurdles, and access to finance.
He assured participants that his
administration was actively tackling these issues by streamlining processes,
removing bottlenecks and enacting laws against extortion, including
"matching ground."
Also, Benue State Commissioner
for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Orpin Alumo, noted that the MSMEs Clinic
will mark the turning around of Benue State, moving it from a civil service
state to an industrial state.
Other dignitaries at the MSME
Clinic Launch included Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barr. Sam Ode; Secretary
to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Speaker of the Benue
State House of Assembly, Mr. Aondona Dajoh; Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice
Maurice Ikpambese; members of the National and State Assemblies, and members of
the State Executive and Security Council, among others.
The Vice President was joined at
the event by heads of key agencies, including Small and Medium Enterprise
Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Nigerian Export Promotion Council
(NEPC), Bank of Agriculture (BoA), BoI, Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM),
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC),
Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Revenue
Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), National Information
Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS),
Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and National Sugar Development Council
(NSDC).
The clinic also promises
immediate access to working capital, formalization assistance through the CAC,
and export guidance from NEPC. Agencies like NAFDAC and SON were present at the
launch to facilitate product certification, while FIRS offers tax advisory
services.
Meanwhile, Vice President
Shettima took time in the state and visited
the Ichwa IDP camp in Makurdi, offering solace and support to those
displaced by conflict.
He met with families, listened to
their stories of loss and displacement and assured them of President Tinubu's
unwavering commitment to their well-being.
The VP promised continued
humanitarian aid, explored avenues for skills development and livelihood
opportunities within the camp, pledging to expedite the process of safe
resettlement.
The Nation
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