Vice President Kashim Shettima stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is focused on building an economy driven by enterprises, where small and medium-sized businesses serve as a catalyst for widespread prosperity. Speaking at the 8th National MSME Awards in Abuja, Shettima emphasized that the government is removing historical barriers to foster innovation and infrastructure.
Represented by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff, the Vice President noted that 90 percent of Nigerian enterprises are MSMEs, employing over 60 million people. The government has prioritized creating an enabling environment through the Renewed Hope Agenda, moving beyond simple grants to provide sustainable support.
Key achievements include the establishment of shared infrastructure facilities which have generated 650,000 jobs and significant financial interventions, such as the ₦75 billion MSME Intervention Fund and ₦874 billion disbursed by the Development Bank of Nigeria to youth and women-led businesses. Furthermore, the government launched a compendium documenting these initiatives to serve as a guide for future growth.
The event also featured the 2026 National MSME Awards, which shifted its prize structure to focus on providing liquid capital to winners. A rigorous selection process narrowed down over 13,000 entries across 13 sectors, including agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. Olanreforward Foods & Farms Ltd was awarded the MSME of the Year, marking a significant milestone in the administration’s effort to recognize excellence in the sector.
