The Federal Government has allocated 45 per cent of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Survival Fund Scheme to women in businesses to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their businesses.
The Nigerian Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum disclosed this when a delegation of Women Food Sellers Association of Nigeria led by its National Coordinator, Mrs Funke Tetteh paid her a courtesy visit in her office in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The Minister stated that Nigerian women have contributed positively to the reduction of hunger in the country through their value addition to agricultural produce in areas of food processing, preservation among others.
According to her, “We are helping in the agricultural value chain. You cook it, you preserve it, that is another area you are contributing. In doing so, you are contributing to the reduction of hunger or poverty in the country. You are playing a very important role”.
Katagum who expressed satisfaction with the association advised other women to formalize themselves into groups which would make it easier for governments at all levels to offer necessary supports.
She noted that Nigerian women form a very important constituent of President Buhari’s administration and reaffirmed that women in businesses were allocated 45 per cent in the MSMEs Survival Fund Scheme to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their businesses.
The Minister assured the association that the Ministry will facilitate their participation at its various economic empowerment programmes as well as continue to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the country.
She thanked the association for honouring her as the Matron of the Women Food Sellers Association of Nigeria and promised to honour the invitation to attend the forthcoming Annual Abuja Food Fair.
The National Coordinator, Women Food Sellers Association, Mrs Funke Tetteh said her association was in the Ministry to solicit support on women economic empowerment programmes for its members who are in 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory.
She commended the Minister of State for her commitment to the well-being of Nigerian women through her contribution to the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which is the engine room of the nation’s economy.
Mrs Tetteh sought for partnership with the Ministry and invited the Minister of State to its forthcoming Annual Abuja Food Fair organized by the association.
The association presented an award to the Minister of State as the Matron of the Women Food Sellers Association of Nigeria for her remarkable achievements in women empowerment, sustainable democracy and good governance.
PIAK
