Cross River launches campaign to assist MSMEs access N75bn intervention fund

The Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) have jointly launched a campaign to assist Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing the federal government’s N75 billion intervention fund.

The campaign, which commenced in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality, will be extended to all 18 Local Government Areas in the state to ensure widespread participation and enable MSMEs to benefit from the support.

Speaking at the event, Pius Eneji, BOI branch manager, expressed gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu for initiating the campaign and acknowledged his strong commitment to MSME development. He outlined the eligibility criteria for accessing the intervention fund.

Key stakeholders, including Lawrence Ekpezu, center manager, Cross River State Enterprise Development Center (CRS EDC), were present to provide guidance to beneficiaries. Alice Fabian, State Head of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), oversaw the government’s free registration programme for prospective beneficiaries. Additionally, a representative from WEMA Bank facilitated the registration of business accounts for participating MSMEs.

Great Ogban, campaign coordinator and director general of MEDA, emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the economy of every local government area in the state. He highlighted the campaign as a crucial step in collaboration with key stakeholders of economic development.