Maiduguri, Nigeria – In a major stride toward economic empowerment and grassroots development, the Nigerian government has inaugurated one of the country’s largest ultramodern fashion manufacturing hubs in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The hub, expected to generate over 48,000 jobs, is part of a broader initiative to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who launched the fashion hub and the 6th Expanded National MSME Clinics programme, reiterated the administration’s dedication to fostering innovation, building skills, and ensuring equitable wealth distribution.
“The strength of any nation lies not in its natural resources but in the hands of its skilled and enterprising citizens,” Shettima said during the launch. “You are the surest means of distributing wealth equitably across the land.”
MSME Support Package and Unconditional Grants
As part of the government’s N75 billion MSME support fund, administered through the Bank of Industry, 75,000 businesses nationwide will have access to loans of up to N1 million at a 9% interest rate.
In addition, the government announced unconditional grants of N300,000 for outstanding MSMEs participating in the Maiduguri MSME Clinic. “Every business empowered is a step closer to eradicating poverty,” Shettima emphasized, describing the grants as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to expand opportunities for all Nigerians.
The MSME Clinic provides entrepreneurs a direct platform to engage with regulatory agencies, financial institutions, and support organizations to resolve challenges and unlock new opportunities.
FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme
Shettima also highlighted the successful completion of the second cohort of the FGN-ALAT Digital Skillnovation Programme in Borno State, a partnership with Wema Bank. Over three million Nigerians have been trained in critical digital skills through this program, including two million youths and one million MSMEs.
“The programme equips participants with resources needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven economy,” he noted.
Fashion Hub: A Game-Changer for Borno
The ultramodern fashion hub, touted as one of the largest in the country, is equipped with cutting-edge machinery to elevate local fashion production to global standards. It aims to serve as a center of excellence for training, enterprise, and production.
Shettima stated that the facility, managed by a private-sector entity with government oversight, would help achieve economies of scale while bolstering production. “Our vision is for this hub to become a reference point for excellence—not just for Borno State, but for the entire nation.”
Collaboration with Borno State
The federal government’s initiative has been bolstered by the support of Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who expressed optimism about the project’s impact. He noted that the insurgency and economic challenges had significantly affected MSMEs in the state but expressed hope that the MSME Clinic would revitalize local businesses and create employment opportunities.
“We believe this initiative will help rebuild livelihoods and restore hope to our people,” Zulum stated.
Leadership and Milestones
The launch of the MSME Clinic and Fashion Hub further underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to diversifying Nigeria’s economy and empowering small businesses. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, and Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Sen. John Owen Eno, highlighted the transformational impact of the programme on job creation and innovation.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on MSMEs and Job Creation, Mr. Tola Johnson, commended Borno State’s partnership and noted that the MSME Clinic fosters competitiveness and celebrates entrepreneurial excellence through an annual award ceremony on June 27.
As the federal government continues to expand its MSME initiatives, the Maiduguri hub is poised to serve as a beacon of economic revitalization, driving job creation and fostering innovation in the region.
