Business and Economy
FG Inaugurates MSMEs Steering Committee
The Federal Government on Thursday inaugurated the National Steering Committee of National Business Development Services Providers (BDSPs) certification and accreditation framework to ensure professional support to Micro Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs). adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Amb. Mariam Katagum, the Minister of State for Industry Trade and Investment, while inaugurating the committee in Abuja said the certification and accreditation framework would set standard for business development service interventions.
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and MAFITA, a UK aid funded intervention in Nigeria had worked assiduously to develop the framework for MSMEs development in Nigeria.
Katagum said that the committee was apt considering lack of access to affordable and credible business development services which had been one of the major challenges militating against MSMEs growth and development in Nigeria.
The minister, while commending SMEDAN and its partners said that the accreditation would standardise curriculum for deployment of relevant business development services for all functional areas of any small business.
“The framework will also help in the formation of a new generation of professionals that would want to make a career out of strengthening the ecosystem.
“Certification will see prospective participants going through training, assessment and portfolio development, for those who have not yet had any transactional history of working with small businesses.
“At the end of the certification programme, successful BDSPs will be in a position amongst other skills to demonstrate technical knowledge relevant to the effective delivery of the business development service provision to MSMEs.
“Successful BDSPs will use effective facilitation skills to support MSMEs in overcoming challenges apply relevant diagnostic tools in assessing the MSMEs business and provide necessary support based on information derived from same,’’ Katagum said.
The minister said the committee would ensure strict compliance with the pre-certification training conditions, adding that two foremost institutions in Nigeria had been selected, certified to train and present candidates for certification and accreditation.
According to her, these institutions, the Enterprise Development Center (EDC), Pan Atlantic University, Lagos and the Entrepreneurship Support Centre (ESC), Kaduna Business School are currently implementing the training programmes across the country.
The ambassador said the committee’s relevance could not be over-emphasised as it was expected to effectively coordinate the certification and accreditation process to ensure that a high level of transparency and credibility on the framework.
Dr Dikko Radda, the Director-General, SMEDAN thanked the committee members for accepting to be part of the national assignment, adding that its aim was to ensure that MSMEs operators were well trained and certified.
He said that the BDSPs had been striving for their services to add value for money hence their services were needed to boost the sector.
Radda appreciated the ministry for its continuous support toward the development of MSMEs entirely.
Mr Waheed Olagunju, former Acting Managing Director of Bank of Industry (BOI) on behalf of the committee thanked the Federal Government for reposing confidence on the members and pledged commitment to achieve its aim.
Olagunju described that the members of the committee worthy to carry out such assignment and promised to operate according its terms of reference.
Source: NAN
Author Profile
Latest entries
ReligiousMarch 3, 2025NGIJ Felicitates with President Tinubu, Nigerian Muslims on Ramadan
NewsMarch 3, 2025NLM Mobilization Director charges members to take structural formation serious
Guest WriterMarch 2, 2025Ajia Felicitates Emir of Ilorin, Kwara People and Muslims Worldwide on Ramadan
NewsFebruary 21, 2025NLM Rejigs Leadership Structure, Says It’s time for Leadership by Productivity
Business and Economy
FG, Afreximbank Assess Nigeria’s Readiness for Africa Energy Bank Commencement
Ahead of the commencement of operations of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) in Abuja, the Federal Government and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) teams have assessed the country’s readiness to host the bank.
adsbygoogle || []).push({});
A statement issued on Thursday by Nneamaka Okafor, Special Adviser, Media and Communications to Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), stated that the assessment followed the visit of Dr. Benedict Oramah, President, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
According to the statement, the visit/assessment was in furtherance of ongoing engagements towards the commencement of operations by the Africa Energy Bank, a landmark initiative expected to transform the continent’s energy landscape.
“The establishment of the bank is a collaborative move between Afreximbank and the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), which will see the bank take off with an asset base of five billion dollars.
“It is projected to grow to 120 billion dollars in five years’ time, marking a significant milestone in Africa’s quest for energy security and sustainability.
“Afreximbank, as a key partner, is transferring her full equity investment in the oil and gas sector, underscoring its commitment to driving energy infrastructure development across the continent.”
Okafor quoted Lokpobiri as reiterating during the meeting, Nigeria’s strong support for the AEB and its pivotal role in unlocking Africa’s energy potential.
He called on industry stakeholders to engage proactively and explore the vast opportunities this initiative presents.
“The bank represents a bold step in ensuring that Africa controls and finances its energy future. It is an avenue for stakeholders to invest in a self-sustaining energy sector that will drive industrialisation, job creation and economic prosperity.
“Nigeria, as a leading oil and gas producer, is well-positioned to leverage this transformative initiative. We encourage industry players to seize this opportunity to invest in Africa’s energy future,” the statement quoted Lokpobiri as saying.
Following the discussions, the minister and Afreximbank president proceeded to the AEB Headquarters for an inspection to assess the level of readiness ahead of the commencement of operations.
The visit provided first hand insights into the bank’s operational preparedness and strategic alignment with Africa’s broader energy development goals.
Speaking on the significance of the AEB, The Afreximbank President, Oramah, emphasised the bank’s role in bridging Africa’s energy financing gap.
According to him, the establishment of the AEB is a game-changer for the continent.
He commended Nigeria for taking the bull by the horn in hosting the AEB headquarters and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas portfolio, as it would not only benefit the sector, but would guarantee immediate benefit for Nigeria.
The bank was initially scheduled to commence operations January this year. (NAN)
Author Profile
Latest entries
ReligiousMarch 3, 2025NGIJ Felicitates with President Tinubu, Nigerian Muslims on RamadanNewsMarch 3, 2025NLM Mobilization Director charges members to take structural formation seriousGuest WriterMarch 2, 2025Ajia Felicitates Emir of Ilorin, Kwara People and Muslims Worldwide on RamadanNewsFebruary 21, 2025NLM Rejigs Leadership Structure, Says It’s time for Leadership by Productivity
Business and Economy
Kogi GOBO Initiative Empowers Petty Traders in Kabba Central Market, Reinforces Support for Governor Ododo
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Kogi Forum of Senior Special Assistants (KFSSA) and leaders of the Governor Ododo Business Outreach (GOBO) today 22-11-2024 visited Kabba Central Market to empower local traders and engage community leaders.
adsbygoogle || []).push({});
js">
Led by Hon. Yahaya Shehu Ahmed, Chairman and Director General of GOBO, the delegation began their activities with a courtesy visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi. The traditional ruler commended the initiative and the foresight of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in appointing competent individuals dedicated to improving the lives of citizens.
The team then visited the official residence of the Executive Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr.) Zacchaeus Dare Michael. He expressed his appreciation for the efforts of KFSSA and GOBO, noting that the outreach was a commendable step toward bridging the gap between government appointees and the grassroots.
At Kabba Central Market, the GOBO team provided direct financial support to 20 petty traders, including sellers of berneseed, tomatoes, and roasted plantains. Each beneficiary received 50,000 naira to expand their businesses. The gesture aimed to improve the economic situation of the traders and inspire confidence in the government’s dedication to addressing the needs of ordinary citizens.
The initiative also included plans to monitor the progress of the beneficiaries, ensuring that the financial assistance achieves its intended purpose. Hon. Femi Esemikose and Hon. Augustine Egbebi were tasked with following up on the traders’ activities.
The success of the Kabba-Bunu outreach is expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of Kogi West Senatorial District and the state. As the GOBO program continues to expand, more communities will benefit from its efforts to empower individuals and enhance economic development.
Author Profile
Latest entries
ReligiousMarch 3, 2025NGIJ Felicitates with President Tinubu, Nigerian Muslims on RamadanNewsMarch 3, 2025NLM Mobilization Director charges members to take structural formation seriousGuest WriterMarch 2, 2025Ajia Felicitates Emir of Ilorin, Kwara People and Muslims Worldwide on RamadanNewsFebruary 21, 2025NLM Rejigs Leadership Structure, Says It’s time for Leadership by Productivity
Business and Economy
Naira appreciates N28.85 against dollar at official market
The Naira on Thursday, November 21st, 2024 appreciated at the official market trading at N1,658.67 against the dollar.
Data from the official trading platform of the FMDQ Exchange, revealed that the Naira gained N28.
adsbygoogle || []).push({});
This represents a 1.7 per cent gain, compared to the previous trading date on Wednesday when it exchanged at N1,687.52 to a dollar.
However, the total daily turnover reduced to 163.66 million dollars on Thursday, down from to 173.29 million dollars recorded on Wednesday.
At the Investor’s and Exporter’s (I&E) window, the Naira traded between N1,707.50 and N1,631.00 against the dollar.
Source: NAN
Author Profile
Latest entries
ReligiousMarch 3, 2025NGIJ Felicitates with President Tinubu, Nigerian Muslims on RamadanNewsMarch 3, 2025NLM Mobilization Director charges members to take structural formation seriousGuest WriterMarch 2, 2025Ajia Felicitates Emir of Ilorin, Kwara People and Muslims Worldwide on RamadanNewsFebruary 21, 2025NLM Rejigs Leadership Structure, Says It’s time for Leadership by Productivity
NGIJ Felicitates with President Tinubu, Nigerian Muslims on Ramadan
Share this StoryBy AbdulRahman Obaje … Seeks Divine Intervention for …
NLM Mobilization Director charges members to take structural formation serious
Share this StoryBy AbdulRahman Obaje Alhaji Suleiman Yunusa, the National …Ajia Felicitates Emir of Ilorin, Kwara People and Muslims Worldwide on Ramadan
Share this StoryBy AbdulRahman Aliagan … Seeks Divine Intervention …
NLM Rejigs Leadership Structure, Says It’s time for Leadership by Productivity
Share this StoryBy Abdulrahman Obaje The Nigeria Liberty Movement (NLM) …
NLM FCT Chapter Postpones General Meeting, Cites Incomplete Structural Formation
Share this StoryBy AbdulRahman Obaje The Nigeria Liberty Movement has …
Comr. Okolofo Sunday salutes Hon. Zakari Dauda on his commendation
Share this StoryBy AbdulRahman Obaje Comr. Okolofo Sunday a friend …
FG, Afreximbank Assess Nigeria’s Readiness for Africa Energy Bank Commencement
Share this StoryAhead of the commencement of operations of the …
Nigeria’s Oil Production Reaches 1.53m bpd in January, Meets OPEC Quota
Share this StoryBy AbdulRahman Obaje For the first time since …
Senate charges FG to include North East in the Super Highway Projects
Share this StoryBy AbdulRahman Obaje The Senate Thursday, February 13, …
STEM: Delta government pledge robust partnership with private organisations
Share this StoryThe Delta government has assured that it will …