Vice President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is building a sustainable, enterprise-led Nigerian economy by empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through targeted infrastructure, business grants, and bold economic reforms.

Nigeria Vice President Kashim Shettima 

Speaking at the 8th National MSME Awards in Abuja, Shettima emphasized that the Federal Government is creating a full ecosystem to nurture innovation, deliver critical infrastructure, and eliminate long-standing barriers facing small businesses in Nigeria.

Represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, the Vice President called on award winners and Nigerian entrepreneurs to continue building, with full assurance of government support.

“Nigeria needs your ideas, your jobs, and your leadership. The Federal Government, state governments, and our private-sector partners will continue to build an enterprise-led nation where creativity is rewarded, small businesses scale into conglomerates, and prosperity is shared by all,” Shettima said. Kashim Shettima

 Why MSMEs Are the Engine of Nigeria’s Economy

Shettima described MSMEs as the engine room of Nigeria’s economy, responsible for transforming communities and improving livelihoods across the country.

Key MSME Statistics in Nigeria:

90% of all Nigerian businesses are MSMEs

MSMEs employ over 60 million Nigerians, making them the largest job creators

Through innovation and resilience, MSMEs are driving local prosperity and community development

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Key Federal Government MSME Interventions Since 2023

The Tinubu administration has rolled out several high-impact programs to support small businesses:

1. Expanded National MSME Clinics  

Now active across all six geopolitical zones, these clinics connect small business owners directly with regulatory agencies, financial institutions, and business support organizations for real-time solutions.

2. Shared Infrastructure Facilities  

21 state-of-the-art facilities have been institutionalized, offering affordable access to high-speed internet, modern machinery, and collaborative workspaces. These hubs support tech innovators, fashion designers, and other entrepreneurs, and have helped create 650,000 jobs.

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3. Access to Finance for MSMEs  

₦75 billion MSME Intervention Fund 

₦50 billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme

₦874 billion disbursed by the Development Bank of Nigeria to ∼751,000 women and youth-led MSMEs

₦394.88 billion in financing for export-oriented enterprises via the Nigerian Export-Import Bank

4. Skill-Up Artisans Programme  

Over 165,000 artisans have been trained and equipped with resources to scale their businesses.

New MSME Compendium Launched

At the event, the Vice President unveiled “Building Nigeria, Empowering MSMEs: A Compendium of the Federal Government’s Initiatives and Interventions for Nigerian MSME Growth.” The book documents key policies and programs supporting MSME growth under the Tinubu administration.