Shettima pledges FG’s grant of N300,000 each for entrepreneurs in Borno

…MSME only way to strengthen our people’s businesses – Zulum

Borno State entrepreneurs participating in the 6th Expanded National MSME Clinics and Fashion Hub will receive an unconditional grant of N300,000 each to support and enhance their businesses.

This was announced by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, during the official opening of the event on Tuesday at the Government House in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Shettima stated that each of the outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that participated in the exhibition would be eligible for the N300,000 grant.

He said, “I am pleased to announce on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that an unconditional grant of N300,000 will be awarded to each outstanding MSME exhibiting at today’s clinic.”

The Vice President further explained that the Borno State centre is part of the ongoing national initiative to establish Expanded National MSME Clinics across the Country. He assured that the grants are non-repayable, reflecting the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the success and sustainability of small businesses in the region.

Shettima also highlighted the newly inaugurated Borno State Fashion Hub, which he said, has the capacity to create up to 48,000 jobs annually, describing it as a significant step towards enhancing the MSME ecosystem in the state, particularly in the fashion industry.

“This hub is among the largest ever established by the Federal Government, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support the fashion manufacturing cluster in Borno State,” he added.

Earlier, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, noted that his administration had adopted an inclusive approach to support small and medium scale businesses, recognising it as essential to strengthening resilience amid the challenges faced by MSMEs.

Governor Zulum acknowledged that MSMEs in Borno State had faced severe hardships due to the prolonged insurgency and the broader economic challenges in the Country.

“The MSME Clinic will revitalise business activities in Borno State, create employment opportunities, and increase income sources for our people. Our Government is committed to providing more opportunities for our people to expand their income sources”, he said.