Shettima inaugurates FG’s ultra-modern ICT hub to boost MSMEs in Cross River

Vice President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated the Federal Government’s state-of-the-art Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Hub for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

He also unveiled the newly refurbished State Library Complex, which houses the ICT hub, and officially launched the 8th Expanded National MSME Clinics — an initiative aimed at taking Federal Government support directly to the doorsteps of businesses nationwide.

On Tuesday, Shettima also commissioned two newly acquired 100-seat Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jets for Cally Air, the state-owned airline.

Describing the ICT hub as part of President Bola Tinubu’s pledge to support ventures that redefine the future of work, skills, and industries in Nigeria, Shettima announced the disbursement of ₦250,000 unconditional grants to outstanding business owners in Cross River.

“The MSME Clinics are designed to bring the Federal Government’s support directly to your doorstep. Here, entrepreneurs can interact with the CAC, NAFDAC, Bank of Industry, SMEDAN, and other critical agencies. Challenges are met with solutions, not promises deferred.

“And because excellence must be rewarded, I am pleased to announce, on the directive of President Tinubu, that each outstanding MSME exhibiting here today will receive an unconditional grant of ₦250,000. This is not a loan; it is a gift to accelerate your journey,” he said.

The Vice President also highlighted other interventions under the Tinubu administration, including a ₦75 billion MSME Intervention Fund managed by the Bank of Industry, a ₦50 billion Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme to support one million nano businesses across Nigeria, and a ₦75 billion Manufacturers Fund offering loans of up to ₦1 billion at 9% interest.

He disclosed that at least one manufacturer in Cross River has already benefitted from the Manufacturers Fund, adding that beyond loans and grants, the administration is committed to building an environment where MSMEs can thrive.

“We are here in pursuit of our promise to build an ecosystem that eases the struggles of entrepreneurs, provides infrastructure to fuel creativity, and unleashes the innovative spirit of our people,” Shettima said.

On the significance of the ICT hub, he added:
“The world today is shaped by digital technology, and so the commissioning of this hub could not have come at a better time. This is our eighth stop in the Expanded National MSME Clinics series, and like the others, it is an investment in tomorrow. Technology is no longer a luxury but a lifeline.”

Shettima commended Governor Bassey Otu for his support in promoting infrastructure and lauded the acquisition of the two Cally Air aircraft, saying they “not only invite the world to the People’s Paradise but also make it a safe destination for investments.”

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Minister of Information Mohammed Idris reaffirmed the President’s commitment to small businesses, praising Shettima’s personal drive to support the MSME sector.

Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, described the clinics as a transformative initiative, while the Director-General of the Cross River Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA), Great Ogban Usetu, said they provide opportunities to network, share resources, and transform livelihoods.

Dignitaries at the event included Senators Eteng Williams, Francis Fadahunsi, and Florence Ita-Giwa; Deputy Governor Peter Odey; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem; members of the National and State Assemblies; and members of the State Executive Council.

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