MSME Awards Showcase Tinubu’s Drive for Economic Growth — Information Minister

MSME Awards Showcase Tinubu’s Drive for Economic Growth — Information Minister

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the 2026 National MSME Awards underscore President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to positioning Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking after the awards ceremony in Abuja, Idris said the recognition of outstanding entrepreneurs reflects the Federal Government’s resolve to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, generate jobs and stimulate sustainable development. He noted that many award recipients credited their achievements to the administration’s policies and support for the MSME sector.

The minister also dedicated an award presented to him for supporting MSME development and job creation to the Ministry of Information and its agencies, emphasizing the ministry’s role in promoting awareness of government programmes aimed at empowering entrepreneurs.

Idris further praised the Federal Government’s disbursement of over ₦1 billion in grants to more than 1,000 beneficiaries, describing it as a strategic intervention to strengthen small businesses and boost grassroots economic development. He said the shift from material gifts to direct financial grants would provide entrepreneurs with the working capital needed to expand operations and create more jobs.

Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the awards reflect the administration’s commitment to inclusive economic growth. He explained that grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦3 million were introduced to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses, reduce operating costs and increase productivity.

The event also featured the presentation of a compendium of MSME activities under the Renewed Hope Agenda and attracted senior government officials, development partners and private sector stakeholders.