News

FG Distributes N150,000 Grants to Small Businesses in Jigawa

Written by Jerry Alomatu on July 24, 2024

News Views: 33

The Federal Government has awarded N150,000 grants to outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Jigawa. The announcement was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the launch of the 4th edition of the Expanded National MSME Clinic in Dutse, Jigawa, on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Expanded National MSME Clinics are part of the federal government’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria. These clinics are designed to address challenges faced by MSMEs through a series of business forums held across the country.

Previous editions of the MSME Clinics were launched earlier this year in Benue, Ogun, and Ekiti States.

Vice President Shettima reiterated the federal government’s commitment to supporting MSMEs, highlighting that the N150,000 grants are non-repayable.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has mandated that a grant of N150,000 each be awarded to outstanding exhibiting MSMEs at today’s event. Rest assured that this is an outright grant, and the beneficiaries will not need to repay it,” Shettima said.

Shettima emphasized the importance of the MSME sector to the nation’s economy, noting that MSMEs represent 96% of all businesses in Nigeria and contribute over 45% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). They also provide employment for 80% of the nation’s workforce.

“We recognise your essence, and that’s why we are establishing MSME clinics across the nation. These clinics will act as incubators for small businesses and offer alternative financing. They will also ensure that you have the support and resources you need to compete and thrive,” he stated.

Shettima assured business owners that the Tinubu administration is dedicated to ensuring they have access to necessary support and capital.

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa expressed gratitude to the federal government for its support through the MSME Clinics and other projects. He encouraged small business owners to take advantage of the services provided through these clinics, describing the initiative as a rare opportunity for the state.

Namadi highlighted the state government’s alignment with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the ‘Greater Jigawa Initiative,’ which provides social protection services and projects for the people.

The event at the Malam Aminu Kano Triangle included the inspection of MSME exhibition pavilions and the commissioning of the Jigawa Retail Empowerment Shops.

Upon his arrival in Dutse, Vice President Shettima commissioned several projects, including a 10-hectare solar-powered irrigation farm at the Sumore Farm in Madobi and the deployment of 1,435 J-AGRO Agricultural Extension Agents. He also oversaw the distribution of agricultural inputs under the NG-CARES Fadama Programme, benefiting more than 26,000 individuals, with 30% of the beneficiaries being women.

Additionally, Shettima inaugurated the Palliative Shop initiative at Yalwawa and commissioned a 120KVA solar plant at the Dutse Ultra Modern Market, ensuring a minimum of eight hours of electricity per day during market hours.