In a resolute stance, Vice President Kashim Shettima declared that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the federal government will remain steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding businesses in Nigeria. The Vice President emphasized the crucial role enterprises play in society, serving as both the foundation and reflection of the government’s direction.
Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of the corporate headquarters of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in Abuja, Vice President Shettima highlighted the strategic focus of the Tinubu administration on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication to revitalize the economy.
Vice President Shettima stated, “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 is headed and the velocity with which we do so.”
He underscored President Tinubu’s dedication to shielding businesses and outlined the administration’s economic revitalization plan, emphasizing job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication as pivotal elements. The Vice President emphasized the necessity of tough decisions to ensure success on this path.
Vice President Shettima recalled inaugurating the National MSME Council just ten days ago, describing it as the beginning of initiatives set to unfold. He explained the government’s collaboration with the Bank of Industry to unveil a N75 billion, 9% interest loan accessible to Nigerian MSMEs from January 2024, as a significant stride toward fostering a more conducive business environment.
The Vice President expressed the administration’s commitment to creating an ecosystem where Nigerian businesses gain global recognition for the right reasons. He commended the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the leadership of SMEDAN for transforming concepts into tangible actions.
In her remarks, Minister Uzoka-Anite thanked Vice President Shettima for unwavering support to MSMEs and highlighted the completion and commissioning of the new SMEDAN Complex as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to MSME development.
The Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii, expressed gratitude to the Vice President for his support and guidance, noting the agency’s significant achievements in the MSME sector under his leadership.
Dignitaries at the event included Sen. Fadahunsi Anthony, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Trade and Investment; Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta; Hon. Mansur Manu Soro, Chairman of the House Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises; Mr. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development; Dr. Evelyn Ngige, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, among others.
