President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that Nigerians have no reason to be poor, emphasising his administration’s commitment to fostering the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
Naija News reports that the Nigerian leader made the declaration during the 8th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Calabar on Wednesday, where Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him.
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria has abundant human and natural resources that can be harnessed for economic prosperity.
He specifically highlighted the state’s potential for agriculture, pointing out that Cross River has the capacity to grow nearly every type of crop due to its fertile land.
Speaking on agricultural development, the president shared that the Federal Government plans to plant 100 million oil palm trees, a project he said would make Nigeria the leader in oil palm production.
“Cross River has an advantage in this area,” the VP stated.
This move, Shettima said, aligns with the government’s broader focus on agriculture as a key driver of economic growth.
Commitment to Supporting MSMEs Through Capital Access
Upon assuming office, Tinubu said his government guaranteed access to capital for MSMEs, with a focus on ventures that would redefine skills, work, and industry in Nigeria.
He emphasised that the goal of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is to create an environment where MSMEs do not just survive but thrive.
“Our commitment is not just to give loans or grants, but to build an ecosystem that provides infrastructure and enhances the creativity of entrepreneurs,” Tinubu reiterated.
The Nigerian leader commended the Cross River Government for establishing a state-of-the-art communication and technology hub for MSMEs, which he said aligns with the digital technology trends.
“The hub will give MSMEs affordable access to high-speed internet, modern equipment, and a collaborative space to learn and innovate,” he said, adding that the digital world offers opportunities for everyone, from the market woman in Ikom to the furniture maker in Calabar and the fashion designer in Ogoja, Ugep, or Odukpani.
The president also highlighted that the digital space opens up access to diverse markets and is a key avenue for expanding the reach of local businesses.
In his address, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River described the 8th MSME Clinic as a special initiative between the state and the federal government to enhance the entrepreneurial spirit of the people and boost the state’s economy.
Otu shared that through the Micro Finance and Enterprise Development Agency, the state government has trained over 3,500 entrepreneurs across various sectors of business.
He emphasised that the potential of MSMEs is boundless, with the capacity to raise living standards and create long-term economic growth.
He also commended President Tinubu for his foresight and reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda to create a thriving business ecosystem.
The Head of the Bank of Industry (BOI) in Cross River, Pius Neji, also spoke at the event, highlighting the bank’s role as a critical partner in supporting entrepreneurs.
He noted that the BOI has already disbursed over N260 million to MSMEs in the state, helping businesses in rural areas access much-needed funds.
Neji praised Cross River as a prime location for entrepreneurship, saying the state has the resources to drive Nigeria’s industrialisation.
“The industrialisation of Cross River can take Nigeria to the next level,” he added.
The event underscored the shared responsibility between the federal government, state governments, and financial institutions in creating an enabling environment for MSMEs.
The post ‘You Have No Reason To Be Poor’ – President Tinubu Tells Nigerians, Reaffirms Support For MSME appeared first on Naija News.