Nasarawa State Government in North central Nigeria has restated its commitment to strengthen the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs sector in the state, as part of it’s economic development strategy.
The MD/CEO of the State Investment agency, Ibrahim Abdullahi reiterated the State’s commitment to the project in Lafia, during the presentation of cheques to the three winners of the MSME challenge of the just concluded inaugural Nasarawa Investment summit.
He noted that apart from the 10,000 USD prize monies, the Agency will provide non-financial support centered on advisory, training and networking which are core to the growth of small businesses.
The MSMEs Challenge was organised by the agency to pilot the laid down projects that the state hopes to use to encourage the establishment of new enterprises and to urge existing ones to extend their service offerings.
”This is a pilot project, the Government hopes to replicate this project. This is one way we feel we can effectively reach out to businesses that impact on the economy of the state,” he said.
The winners appreciated the initiative and called wanton the government to broaden its scope in order to include other businesses.
“it is an innovation in the entire State, we have never had such. We thank you, we hope that you continue so that other businesses will have the opportunity,” one of them, Ahmed Hamza said.
Meanwhile the first place winner, Tasiu Kwaplong said, “with this very support, we are going to reach a long distance. We really appreciate the effort”.
The Nasarawa State Government in it’s efforts to strengthen MSMEs launched a pitch competition prior to its Inaugural Investment Summit in 2022.
During the competition, 50 micro, small and medium businesses applied with easy buy for me, Maina Rice and Schoola, clinching 1st, 2nd and 3rd places and receiving 5,000, 3,000 and 2,000 USD respectively.
Hauwa Abu
