Shettima Inaugurates Council on MSMEs, Urges Members to Deploy Technology

Deji  Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday, inaugurated the National Council on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) headed by him with a call on its members to utilise technology and their expertise to enhance the sector’s growth.

Emphasising President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to improving job security, Shettima, who spoke while inaugurating the Council at the State House, Abuja, highlighted the critical role of MSMEs and younger Nigerians in driving job creation and economic stimulation.

According to him: “This Council has a pivotal role to play in rekindling hope in the Nigerian project as President Tinubu is irrevocably committed to addressing the job security situation, especially within the MSMEs and the younger population.”

Recognising the potential of technology, the vice president urged members to leverage its power to streamline processes and enhance service delivery.

The Council’s mandate includes formulating policies to drive MSME development, fostering public-private partnerships, and promoting inter-agency collaboration.

Members of the newly inaugurated Council include the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (Vice Chairman); two Governors from each of the 6 geo-political zones; Ministers of Agriculture, Innovation, Science and Technology, and Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs; a representative of the Private Sector; while the Director General of SMEDAN will serve as Secretary.

The National Council on MSMEs is a high-level body established to provide strategic direction and oversight for the development of the MSME sector in Nigeria.