President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling poverty by fostering the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the nation, stating that Nigerians have “no reason to be poor.”
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 8th Expanded National MSME Clinic held in Calabar, Cross River State, on Wednesday, President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s vast potential, underpinned by its abundant human and natural resources.
“Cross River, for instance, possesses fertile land capable of sustaining nearly every crop. The Federal Government plans to plant 100 million oil palm trees – and no other state is better placed to benefit from this than Cross River,” the president said.
President Tinubu noted that from the outset of his administration, access to capital had been prioritised, alongside a pledge to back innovative ventures aimed at transforming work, skill development, and industrialisation.
He applauded the Cross River State Government for establishing a state-of-the-art communication and technology hub tailored for MSMEs, saying it aligns the state with global digital trends.
READ ALSO: Tinubu commends NAFDAC for sustaining global regulatory benchmark
“This hub provides MSMEs with affordable access to high-speed internet, cutting-edge equipment, and collaborative spaces for learning and innovation,” he said. “The digital economy holds opportunities for everyone—from the market woman in Ikom, to the furniture maker in Calabar, and the fashion designer in Ogoja, Ugep, or Odukpani.”
The president reiterated that his Renewed Hope Agenda is a comprehensive commitment not just to financial support, but to creating an enabling environment for MSMEs to flourish.
“Our goal is not merely to provide loans or grants, but to build a sustainable ecosystem that enhances infrastructure and nurtures entrepreneurial creativity,” he added.
In his address, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State described the 8th MSME Clinic as a vital partnership between the state and the Federal Government, designed to ignite the entrepreneurial potential of citizens and drive economic growth.
Governor Otu revealed that, through the state’s Micro Finance and Enterprise Development Agency, over 3,500 individuals had received training in various aspects of entrepreneurship.
“The benefits of MSMEs are immense. With collective effort and strategic investment, they can significantly uplift the living standards of our people,” the governor said.
He also commended President Tinubu for his foresight and pledged the state’s unwavering support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Meanwhile, Mr Pius Neji, Head of the Bank of Industry (BOI) in Cross River, reiterated the bank’s role as a dependable ally of entrepreneurs. He stated that the BOI had already disbursed approximately ₦260 million to MSMEs in rural parts of the state.
“Cross River is fertile ground for entrepreneurship. Its industrial potential can contribute significantly to Nigeria’s national development,” Mr Neji said.
The MSME Clinic aims to bridge gaps in funding, infrastructure, and innovation, while strengthening collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and local entrepreneurs in building a more resilient Nigerian economy.
