Shettima: FG’s Resolve to Protect SMEs Remain Unshaken

•Inaugurates SMEDAN headquarters in Abuja

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the President Bola Tinubu-led administration would never shift ground in its determination to protect businesses in Nigeria.

According to him, enterprises were not only the very bedrock of a society but also reflected the direction the government was heading and the speed with which it was doing so.

Shettima who disclosed this yesterday while inaugurating the corporate headquarters of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in Abuja noted that the Tinubu administration was strategically focusing on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication to revamp the economy.

“Allow me to emphasise the importance of this moment. There is no more fitting time than now to reinforce the protection of enterprises in Nigeria. These enterprises not only stand as the very bedrock of our society but also reflect the direction the government was headed and the velocity with which we do so.

“This moment solidifies President Bola Tinubu’s assurance to protect our enterprises. It resonates deeply within our economic revitalisation plan.

“His focus on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication forms the very skeleton of our strategy to invigorate the economy. Inevitably, this path demands tough decisions, yet, they are essential to our success.”

He recalled that he had inaugurated the National MSME Council ten days ago, saying it was just the beginning that set the stage for what was ahead.

Explaining how President Tinubu intended to make sure businesses and other economic enterprises prosper in the country, the vice-president said, “Notably, our partnership with the Bank of Industry to unveil a N75 billion, 9% interest loan accessible to Nigerian MSMEs as of January 2024 is a pivotal stride.

“This initiative is geared towards fostering a more conducive and enabling business environment.

“This government doesn’t just boast some of the nation’s finest talents; it champions those invested in ensuring our business owners have front-row seats in our journey towards progress.

“Our goal is to cultivate an ecosystem, where Nigerian businesses become regular features in globally recognised publications such as Forbes, Bloomberg, and the Financial Times for the right reasons.

“We are all well aware that Mr. President’s readiness to take action has never faltered, and what we are witnessing here is just a component of the strategies in place to create a future brimming with endless opportunities.”

Shettima congratulated the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the leadership of SMEDAN, saying they had proven that they were ready to transform concepts into tangible actions.

“This initiative renews hope for a critical segment of our entrepreneurial community, and highlights our sensitivity to the economic clock of the nation,” he added.

Earlier, Uzoka-Anite, thanked the  Vice President for his support to MSMEs in the country, saying the completion and commissioning of the new complex is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the development of the MSME space.

She also outlined other initiatives of the federal government targeted at building capacity and linking MSMEs to markets at home and abroad.

Director General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, thanked the vice-president for his support and guidance in the actualisation of the project and leadership in the MSME space.

He said the agency and the entire MSME community in Nigeria had recorded significant achievements within a short period of time under the leadership of the vice-president.

He assured the people that the agency would continue to collaborate with sister organisations to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.