Tinubu highlights 21 MSME hubs creating 650,000 jobs in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has announced that 21 shared facilities set up in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory are supporting businesses and creating around 650,000 jobs.

These facilities are part of the Federal Government’s National MSME Clinics initiative. They give entrepreneurs access to equipment, electricity, and production infrastructure without forcing them to pay for everything upfront.

Tinubu shared this information in a statement on Monday. He spoke about the government's efforts to tackle the infrastructure and equipment problems that many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) face.

He mentioned that many small businesses have the skills and ideas to grow but lack access to the equipment and infrastructure needed for production. He explained that the shared MSME hubs aim to help by allowing entrepreneurs to use modern facilities without making large investments.

He used tailors and food processors as examples of businesses that could take advantage of this model. “A tailor should not need millions of naira to buy industrial machinery before she can grow her business. A food processor should not have to build a factory before producing at scale,” he said.

The President added that using shared facilities could help businesses boost production while cutting their operating costs. “When small businesses can produce more, at lower cost, they become more competitive. They grow. They employ more people. They create income and opportunity for Nigerian families.”

Support for MSMEs

This initiative comes as the Federal Government expands programs to improve access to finance, equipment, skills, and markets for small businesses.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) carries out several government support programs for MSMEs. They have pointed out that access to finance, infrastructure, and markets are key challenges for small businesses.

The government has also rolled out other plans to improve access to credit. This includes the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), which offers guarantees to encourage banks to lend to businesses and other eligible borrowers.

President Tinubu stressed that the government wants to remove barriers that stop entrepreneurs from turning their skills and ideas into successful businesses. “Our job is to remove those barriers,” he said.

He also mentioned that helping small businesses grow would create jobs, raise household incomes, and boost economic activity. “Giving Nigerian enterprise the tools to succeed is how we build prosperity from the ground up,” President Tinubu said.