The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated state-of-the-art Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinics Fashion, and ICT Hubs in Makurdi, Benue State, projected to generate 48,000 jobs annually. Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima led the commissioning on August 27, 2024, as part of broader initiatives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Vice President Shettima, represented by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, highlighted the hub’s potential to meet global standards and significantly impact job creation. “The hub will meet global standards and has the potential to create roughly 48,000 jobs annually in the state,” he stated.
Shettima emphasized that the Tinubu administration is deeply committed to supporting Nigerian entrepreneurs, adding that the establishment of the hub is a testament to the government’s promises to entrepreneurs and the power of intergovernmental collaboration. “Today, as we commission this dual-purpose MSME Clinic, we witness two critical truths. First, it demonstrates that our promises to entrepreneurs are not mere rhetoric. Secondly, it affirms that the most effective interventions we can achieve as a government arise from strong intergovernmental partnerships.”
The hub is equipped with over 200 pieces of cutting-edge equipment for fashion manufacturing and more than 100 ICT devices, designed to boost production, provide ICT training, and achieve economies of scale. It will produce a wide range of fashion items, including military uniforms, school uniforms, and corporate wear, extending its services beyond Benue State.
Additionally, the hub will serve as a one-stop shop where MSMEs can interact directly with Federal Government agencies to resolve regulatory issues. Relevant agencies such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), NAFDAC, Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and SMEDAN will offer their services at the facility.
Shettima acknowledged the challenges faced by MSMEs in Nigeria and assured that the government is committed to addressing them through interventions like the Benue Fashion Hub. He also mentioned plans to establish additional MSME clusters across various industries, including fashion, textiles, leather, ICT, agriculture, and cold storage, with future projects set for mechanic cities, printing, barber shops, shoemaking, and wellness later this year.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, hailed the project as more than just infrastructure, calling it a symbol of the state’s vision for prosperity, creativity, and empowerment. He expressed gratitude to Vice President Shettima for his second visit to Benue in less than six months, highlighting the strong partnership between the state and the federal government. “The Benue State fashion hub, which is your initiative and a gift to the state, is a cornerstone of our administration’s agenda to promote creativity, foster innovation, create employment, and provide opportunities for our people,” Governor Alia said.
