The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has said that Nigeria’s economic potential is on the rise again, crediting the development to the dynamic and purposeful leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Idris made this known on Friday during a press briefing ahead of the upcoming 4th African Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Forum and the 7th National MSME Awards, set to take place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
StarReporters reports that President Tinubu recently approved the establishment of an oversight committee for Nigeria’s hosting of the continental forum, which will run from 23 to 27 June in Abuja under the theme: “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access and Affordable Financing for Africa.”
The event is expected to bring together over 50 delegates from across Africa to deliberate on key issues affecting small businesses, including access to finance, digital transformation, and market expansion.
Idris said the hosting of the forum aligns with President Tinubu’s vision for rapid socio-economic progress in Nigeria. He highlighted Tinubu’s extensive business background as a valuable asset in steering the country toward economic recovery and growth.
“Nigeria is rising again and the world is paying attention. The approval for hosting this event by President Tinubu is one way of showcasing to the world that Nigeria is ready to do business. It is one of the first pedestals of opening up our economy to the rest of the world,” he said.
The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, emphasised that the overarching aim of the forum is to empower MSMEs by promoting policy development and building intra-African value chains through strategic partnerships.
“This will eventually empower MSMEs to thrive on the continent,” he said, urging stakeholders in Nigeria’s MSME sector to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the event.
Also speaking, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the forum would support the creative and tourism industries by reinforcing policies that sustain growth.
She added that the event would amplify the administration’s efforts to reposition Nigeria’s image through the “Destination Nigeria” initiative.
The Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, who also serves as secretary of the forum’s organising committee, said the five-day event would feature high-level paper presentations, panel discussions, fireside chats, product exhibitions, and business networking opportunities.
“A key feature of the event is the MSME awards, which include cash prizes, houses, and stores for deserving small business owners across the country,” he said.
He added that President Tinubu’s approval to host the forum underscores his recognition of the pivotal role MSMEs play in economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.
(NAN)