Kashim Shetima charges MSMEs on job creation, improving security

The Vice-President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has stated that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria should create more jobs in order to help solve some of the security challenges the country is facing.

Shettima said during the International Dialogue on Financing MSMEs in Africa to commemorate the 2024 World MSMEs Day.

According to him, with oil revenue falling from 6.6 percent in 2022 to about 5.2 percent in 2023, it is important to make the most out of MSMEs.

The event, which was themed ‘Call to Action: Provision of Sustainable Single-Digit Loans for MSMEs’ and organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs in collaboration with the African Union Commission.

Ibrahim Hadejia, the vice president's Deputy Chief of Staff, represented the vice president at the event.

Shettima said: “You know, really when you put them in perspective, the kind of impact that MSMEs will have, we will begin to look at development in that sector as a solution not just to unemployment but also to security as the case may be.”

He added that 2024's MSMEs Day is commemorated by discussing the issues facing MSMEs and finding solutions to them.

The vice president appreciated various partners, including the leadership of the African Union Commission, for collaborating with the Nigerian Government to bring together relevant stakeholders to support MSMEs in Africa.

“The MSMEs account for 90% of all businesses worldwide and employ over 60% of the global workforce.

“It is no wonder that the United Nations has dedicated today, the 27th of June, to recognize MSMEs and to celebrate them for their immense contributions to the economies of nations all over the world,” Shettima said.

BEB