The Nigerian government is set to roll-out the last two schemes of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs Survival Fund known as the Guaranteed Off-take Scheme GOS and General MSMEs Grant.
The Minister of State, Industry Trade and Investment and Chairperson Steering Committee of the Scheme, Ambassador Maryam Katagum disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja.
Amb. Katagum said the implementation of the Survival Fund is progressing steadily with the activation of three tracks across the country namely; the Payroll Support Scheme, Artisan and Transport Scheme, and Formalization Support Scheme.
She noted that he Payroll Support Portal was reopened for 30 States that have not met their quota in the initial stage of the programme between January 27 and February 2, 2021.
According to the Minister “It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari on the 1st of July 2020 approved the National Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) presented to him by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo whom he had earlier mandated to chair the National Economic Sustainability Committee.
Two of the components approved under the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) are the MSMEs Survival Fund and Guaranteed Off-take Scheme.
The Steering Committee approved the implementation of the two Schemes in five distinct parts namely: the Payroll Support Scheme, Artisan and Transport Scheme, Formalization Support Scheme, General MSMEs Grant and the Guaranteed Off-take Scheme”.
Amb. Katagum stated that under the two components, the portal will open from 11:59pm on Tuesday February 9, 2021 to Thursday February 18, 2021 for the Guaranteed Off-take Scheme (GOS) and General MSME Grant Applications.
She urged all interested MSMEs to go directly to the Portal and register for either of the Schemes free of charge.
“It is important to note that the purpose of Guaranteed Off-take Scheme is to stimulate direct local production by enabling 100,000 MSMEs in the production sector with funds to produce post Covid lock down stimulus products”.
“The Scheme will give preference to products produced in reasonably sufficient volumes in each State of the Federation, which have the proven propensity to create jobs and have a multiplier effect on the surrounding economy”, Adebayo said.
The minister listed the products to include: Face masks, Hand sanitizers, Liquid soap, Disinfectant and Processed foods.
Amb. Katagum also said MSMEs registered in Nigeria and owned by Nigerians will get patronage from government via procurement of products with a value of N150, 000 per business entity.
She added that Participating MSMEs are also required to fulfil Corporate Affairs Commission CAC, registration with at least a Business Name Certificate, have Verifiable BVN and Bank Account Number, have a minimum of two employees and readiness to produce under NAFDAC and SON specifications.
Nneka Ukachukwu
