The Nigerian Ministry of Budget and National Planning is considering signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Forum of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Businesses Membership Organisations of Nigeria.
The MoU will facilitate dialogue and develop joint programmes that will promote standardisation, product complexity and competitiveness.
The Minister of state for Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba made this known during the 4th Strategic Planning Meeting of the Forum of Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Business Membership Organisations of Nigeria in Abuja.
The Minister said the government would continue to provide a conducive and friendly environment to investors and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs for the growth and development of economic activities in Nigeria.
According to him, “The National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2025 which was recently launched by Mr. President has identified key strategies for ensuring the growth of MSMEs in Nigeria.
“The Plan seeks to invest massively in infrastructure, ensure macroeconomic stability, enhance the investment environment and improve social indicators and living conditions of the people.”
He explained that the present Administration has taken measures to reduce the burden on MSMEs while effort are being made to address structural issues.
“These measures include the N-Power Scheme, Trader Money, Ease of Doing Business/PEBEC, Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP), Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS), the establishment of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), the CBN/ Bankers Committee AGSMEIS (Agri-Business Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme) aimed at boosting start-ups, conversion of twenty-Three (23) Industrial Development Centres (IDCs) to Industrial Parks and Clusters, creation of N50 billion targeted credit facility for COVID 19-affected MSMEs, and Incentivizing Business Registration Compliance for MSMEs,” he explained.
The Minister was represented by Mr Sufuyan Ojeifo.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammed Abubakar during the forum noted that the reform in the agricultural sector makes agriculture a money making business rather than a development programme with the concept of commodity value chain that considers the role of all Players from food production to cconsumption.
Dr Abubakar stated that the ministry was committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to build an Agriculture and Agribusiness economy.
A board member of the Forum of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Businesses Membership Organisations of Nigeria, Mrs Rose Gyar says the Forum is a structured platform that can enhance engagement with government and other stakeholders to enhance local productions.
Confidence Okwuchi
