Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria have received a major boost with the commissioning of Nigeria’s largest ultra-modern MSME Fashion Hub in Enugu State, along with the launch of the 5th Expanded National MSME Clinic. Vice President Kashim Shettima officiated the event, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to creating a supportive business environment for MSMEs.
During the event, VP Shettima announced the disbursement of a N150,000 federal government grant to business owners in Enugu State, with the grant being an outright gift, requiring no repayment. This initiative underscores the Tinubu administration’s focus on nurturing MSMEs and promoting economic growth across the country.
The Expanded National MSME Clinics is a federal government strategy aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria by providing solutions to challenges faced by small businesses. Previous editions of the clinic have been held in Benue, Ogun, Ekiti, and Jigawa states.
In his remarks, VP Shettima emphasized the importance of small businesses to Nigeria’s economy, stating that MSMEs account for 96% of all businesses and contribute over 45% to the nation’s GDP. He highlighted the pivotal role of MSMEs in driving the country’s economic progress.
At the event, Shettima also inspected the ongoing construction of the Enugu International Conference Centre and other key infrastructure projects. Speaking about the newly commissioned Enugu Fashion Hub, the Vice President noted its potential to meet global standards and create around 48,000 jobs. He emphasized that the hub is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support the fashion manufacturing sector, enabling mass production of items such as military uniforms and corporate wear.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu expressed gratitude to the federal government for its continued support of the state, acknowledging the positive impact of initiatives like the MSME Clinic and the new fashion hub on the local economy. The Governor praised the Tinubu administration’s efforts to foster entrepreneurship and job creation in Enugu and beyond.
Other dignitaries present at the event included Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Senate Minority Whip Sen. Osita Ngwu, and Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, among others. Each of them lauded the federal government’s initiatives aimed at empowering small businesses and reducing unemployment through skill acquisition programs.
