President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again restated his administration’s unwavering determination to tackle poverty through a robust support system for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), asserting that no Nigerian has any justifiable reason to remain poor under the current national development vision.
The President made this known during the 8th edition of the National MSME Clinic held in Calabar, Cross River State, a forum that brought together key stakeholders, business owners, policymakers, and development agencies under one roof. The event, which forms part of the broader “Renewed Hope Agenda,” is designed to directly address the challenges facing small businesses, while providing real-time government-backed interventions to support their growth and sustainability.
In a clear demonstration of intent, the Federal Government used the platform to unveil an ambitious national agricultural drive, which includes the planned cultivation of over 100 million oil palm trees across various parts of the country. This initiative, according to officials at the event, is expected to not only revive the once-thriving palm oil industry but also generate millions of jobs along the value chain, from farming to processing and exportation.
President Tinubu, whose economic policies have placed MSMEs at the core of national development, maintained that Nigeria’s wealth lies in the ingenuity and resilience of its people. He insisted that with the right infrastructure, funding access, and training, small business owners can become the engine room of the economy. “We are laying the foundation for a Nigeria where no citizen will have to live in lack if they are willing to work and innovate,” the President was quoted as saying through a representative at the Calabar forum.
Particular commendation was given to the Cross River State Government for its proactive approach in establishing a thriving technology hub for young entrepreneurs. The innovation centre, which has attracted attention from federal agencies and private investors, is being celebrated as a model for other states to emulate, especially in how it harnesses youth potential in digital enterprise and tech-based solutions.
The MSME Clinic also featured direct interface sessions between small business owners and regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC, CAC, SON, and BOI, aimed at eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks that often frustrate small-scale operations. Dozens of entrepreneurs took advantage of on-the-spot business registrations, product certifications, and funding consultations.
KIIN360 business correspondents monitoring the event report a renewed optimism among participants, many of whom believe the current policy direction could significantly unlock Nigeria’s long-dormant economic potential if sustained. With the government’s clear emphasis on agriculture, digital innovation, and MSME empowerment, analysts suggest that Nigeria may be gradually steering itself toward a more inclusive and self-reliant economic model, one where poverty is not just reduced but rendered obsolete.
