The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) organized a lecture to celebrate the 2024 Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) day in Kano.
The Executive Director of CITAD, Engineer Yunusa Zakaria Ya’u represented by the Senior Program Officer, Malam Isa Garba, explained that Micro, Medium, and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) play a critical role in national growth and development, with women and youth contributing significantly to the sector.
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He pointed out that CITAD, with support from different donors, has empowered young girls and youth with entrepreneurship skills and mini grants aimed at starting their businesses and becoming self-reliant.
“ in Kano, Bauchi, and Abuja “
The Senior program officer urged government at all levels to support MSMEs, considering that MSMEs account for 96.4% of Nigerian businesses and their contribution to the GDP is about 46 percent
“ and without them, 80 percent of the current Nigerian workforce would be without employment”
Representative of the manufacturers association of Nigeria MAN, Nura S. Madugu, emphasized the importance of collaboration among policymakers, large corporations, financial institutions, and the international community.
“Together, we can create an enabling environment where MSMEs flourish and contribute meaningfully to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.”
He argued that It is essential for empowering MSMEs to contribute to achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including goals like eradicating poverty and promoting decent work for all.
Muhammad Khamis of Sharada Small Scale Industries highlighted the challenges faced by Nigerian MSMEs, such as limited access to financing, inadequate infrastructure, and burdensome regulations.
“We urge policymakers to address the challenges faced by MSMEs, such as limited financing and regulatory burdens. A thriving MSME sector is crucial for economic growth and job creation.”
He hinted that the persistent energy crisis has severely affected small-scale industries, causing shutdowns, hampering productivity, and escalating operational expenses.
Muhammad Adamu Muhammad, representing the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KACCIMA), emphasized the vital role MSMEs play in Nigeria’s national economy and the need to support and empower MSMEs to thrive”
“Let us celebrate the immense contribution of MSMEs to our national economy. By supporting their growth, we are strengthening the foundation of a prosperous Nigeria.”
Adamu Muhammad noted that many MSMEs require access to capital, power supply, capacity building, access to markets, equipment, innovations, information, and linkages to sustain, grow, and build their businesses into more profitable ventures.
Both speakers commended CITAD for joining the global celebration, stating that “it is a demonstration of the Centre’s commitment to building an MSME community that will become more resilient, efficient, prosperous, and competitive.
