We Will Continue To Support MSMEs To Boost Socioeconomic Growth – Nnaji
The Federal Government says it remains committed to supporting micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) to drive socioeconomic growth and development.
This assurance was given by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, during the launch of the analysis section of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme in Abuja.
Chief Nnaji emphasized the crucial role that startups and MSMEs play in economic development, renewable energy access, and climate change mitigation in Nigeria. He acknowledged the significant challenges these enterprises face, including insufficient policy and regulatory support, limited financing opportunities, and a weak innovation ecosystem.
The Minister highlighted the transformative potential of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP), a UNIDO-led initiative sponsored by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This program aims to bridge the gap between cleantech entrepreneurs and the market by offering competitive business acceleration services to innovative startups and SMEs.
Nnaji underscored the Ministry’s collaboration with UNIDO to build, strengthen, and interconnect the institutional capacities of stakeholders. This involves developing policy regulations, promoting global linkages, and ensuring the inclusion of gender and youth in the nation’s economy.
He commended all stakeholders for their unwavering support and commitment to creating a sustainable future for Nigeria.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, highlighted the program’s objective to enhance the capacities of SMEs, improve economic growth, and maintain clean energy in the country. She noted that the initiative aims to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and firewood, thereby curbing carbon emissions.
UNIDO’s National Programme Coordinator, Mr. Oluyomi Banjo, stressed the importance of clean technology in achieving climate change mitigation and fulfilling Paris Agreement obligations. He emphasized that a robust innovation ecosystem is essential for supporting high-impact cleantech innovations and attracting large-scale investments.
A statement by Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations, Atuora Obed, quoted Mr. Banjo as saying that the cleantech program is designed to build innovation ecosystems that can systematically support and scale impactful cleantech technologies.
