He premised this on the notion that enterprises are not only the very bedrock of a society but also reflect the government’s direction and the speed with which it is doing so.
“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,” Shettima said when he commissioned the corporate headquarters of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
The Senior Special Assistant to the VP of Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Wednesday titled, ‘Our resolve to protect SMEs remain unshaken – VP Shettima.’
The VP affirmed that the Tinubu administration strategically focuses on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth and poverty eradication to revamp the economy.
He said “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.
“This moment solidifies His Excellency President Bola Tinubu’s assurance to protect our enterprises. It resonates deeply within our economic revitalisation plan.”
Shettima said the administration’s focus on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication forms the skeleton of its strategy to invigorate the economy. Inevitably.
“This path demands tough decisions, yet ones essential to our success,” he reasoned.
The VP also recalled that he had inaugurated the National MSME Council ten days ago, saying it was just the beginning that sets the stage for what is up ahead.
Explaining how President Tinubu intends to ensure the success of businesses and other economic enterprises in the country, the VP said, “Notably, our partnership with the Bank of Industry to unveil a N75 billion, 9 per cent 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.”
He argued that the current government not only boasts of some of the nation’s finest talents but also champions those invested in ensuring Nigerian business owners have front-row seats in its progress.
He declared, “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”.
The Vice President congratulated the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the leadership of SMEDAN, saying they have proven that they are 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 in her remarks, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Uzoka-Anite, thanked Vice President Shettima for his unwavering support of MSMEs in the country.
She said the completion and commissioning of the new SMEDAN 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 FG to build capacity and link MSMEs to markets at home and abroad.
For his part, the 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.
Odili assured Shettima that the agency will continue collaborating with sister organisations to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
Other dignitaries at the event were the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Trade and Investment, Fadahunsi Anthony; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Asuquo Ekpenyong; Chairman of the House Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises, Mansur Soro; Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Evelyn Ngige, as well as heads of government agencies and parastatals.
