Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, said the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu’s watch would never shift ground in its determination to protect businesses in Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration of the corporate headquarters of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, in Abuja, the VP noted that enterprises were not only the very bedrock of a society but also reflect the direction the government was heading to and the speed with which it was doing so.
The VP said: “The Tinubu administration is strategically focusing on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication to revamp the economy.
“Allow me to emphasise the importance of this moment. There is no more fitting time than now to reinforce the protection of enterprises in Nigeria.
“These enterprises not only stand as the very bedrock of our society but also reflect the direction the government is headed and the velocity with which we do so.
“This moment solidifies President Tinubu’s assurance to protect our enterprises. It resonates deeply within our economic revitalisation plan.
“His focus on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication forms the very skeleton of our strategy to invigorate the economy. Inevitably, this path demands tough decisions, yet ones essential to our success.”
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The VP also recalled that he had inaugurated the National MSME Council 10 days ago, saying it was just the beginning that sets the stage for what is up ahead.
Explaining how President Tinubu intends to make sure businesses and other economic enterprises prosper in the country, VP Kashim, said: “Notably, our partnership with the Bank of Industry to unveil a N75 billion, 9 percent interest loan accessible to Nigerian MSMEs as of January 2024, is a pivotal stride.
“This initiative is geared towards fostering a more conducive and enabling business environment.
“This government doesn’t just boast some of the nation’s finest talents, it champions those invested in ensuring our business owners have front-row seats in our journey towards progress.
“Our goal is to cultivate an ecosystem where Nigerian businesses become regular features in globally recognized publications such as Forbes, Bloomberg, and the Financial Times for the right reasons.
“We are all well aware that Mr. President’s readiness to take action has never faltered, and what we are witnessing here is just a component of the strategies in place to create a future brimming with endless opportunities.”
The Vice President congratulated the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the leadership of SMEDAN, saying they have proven that they are ready to transform “concepts into tangible actions.
“This initiative renews hope for a critical segment of our entrepreneurial community, and highlights our sensitivity to the economic clock of the nation,” he added.
