FG vows to take small businesses to its potential

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured that the Federal Government in collaboration with partners, would ensure that small businesses attain its full potential in the country.

Shettima gave the assurance on Tuesday at the inauguration of the second edition of the Expanded National MSME Clinics in Abeokuta, Ogun.

Shettima also commissioned two projects executed by the federal government in collaboration with partners, ultra-modern fashion hub for MSMEs and the refurbished Asero Adire market.

He said that the clinics and related activities hold the promise of easing the way for small businesses to transform their empires or unicorns of note.

While handing over 200 newly refurbished stores to 400 entrepreneurs at Asero Adire market in Abeokuta, he said the beneficiaries would use the stores free of charge for a period of one year.

According to him, after one year they will be charged discounted rates for the use of the facilities.

He said that the gesture was part of efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to support small businesses, by providing an enabling environment for them.

”The National MSME Clinics serve as a bridge between us, between the people and the government.

”They are designed to bring the government in close to the people by convening all regulatory agencies under one roof.

”This journey further reinforces my conviction that our paramount responsibility as a government, is to persist in creating an enabling environment that allows these small businesses not only to thrive but also to expand their horizons, ”he said.

Shettima said that the overall objective was to foster an ecosystem where innovation flourishes, where the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigeria shines brightly on the global stage.

He expressed confidence that with little support, MSMEs across the country could deploy their talents, creativity and boundless energy to building more viable enterprises.

He paid glowing tributes to the Ogun Government for its cooperation in the project.

Shettima described the state “as a guiding force in the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting enterprises and empowering their owners.”

He said that Tinubu’s vision for the nation relies on exploring the industrial capabilities developed in “this Gateway to the Nation.”

Earlier, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun thanked the Vice President for his commitment for the establishment of the Fashion Hub, and refurbished Adire market in the state.

He said the event aligns the efforts of the State government in supporting businesses to grow by facilitating access to finance and markets.

The governor outlined other innovations by the state government in creating an enabling environment for small businesses, leveraging technology and introducing grant schemes for them.

Also speaking, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians.