The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has affirmed that Nigeria’s economic outlook is once again gaining momentum, attributing the positive trajectory to the focused and strategic leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Idris made this known on Friday during a press briefing held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, ahead of the forthcoming 4th African Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Forum and the 7th National MSME Awards.
President Tinubu has approved the formation of an oversight committee to coordinate Nigeria’s hosting of the five-day continental forum, which is scheduled to take place from 23 to 27 June in Abuja.
The event, themed “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access and Affordable Financing for Africa,” will bring together over 50 delegates from various African nations to examine critical issues facing small businesses on the continent.
According to Idris, the decision to host the AU forum reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to the accelerated socio-economic development of Nigeria, particularly through support for entrepreneurship and innovation.
He noted, “President Tinubu brings a wealth of business acumen to governance, which he is strategically applying to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential. Hosting this forum serves as a signal to the global community that Nigeria is open for business.”
Idris called on the media to rally behind the event and help project Nigeria’s growing influence and investment readiness across Africa and beyond.
“Hosting our African counterparts is part of a broader agenda to reposition Nigeria’s economy and integrate it more effectively into the regional and global market,” he added.
Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, explained that the forum aims to strengthen the policy framework for MSME development, create intra-African value chains, and foster strategic collaborations to support business growth.
“Our main goal is to empower Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises to flourish by improving access to finance, expanding market linkages, and enhancing digital capabilities,” Hadejia said.
He encouraged entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders in Nigeria to take advantage of the platform to forge meaningful partnerships and tap into emerging opportunities across Africa.
Also speaking, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, expressed confidence that the forum would bolster the cultural and tourism sectors, paving the way for sustainable growth.
She remarked that the event would help to institutionalise policies that support the creative economy and align with the administration’s “Destination Nigeria” initiative aimed at rebranding the country’s global image.
Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, who also serves as Secretary of the forum’s organising committee, outlined the key features of the event. These include keynote addresses, technical panel sessions, fireside chats, exhibitions, and networking opportunities for businesses.
He further noted that a major highlight will be the National MSME Awards, where exceptional entrepreneurs will receive prizes, including cash grants, business outlets, and residential houses.
“The President’s approval of this forum underscores his recognition of the fundamental role MSMEs play in generating employment, reducing poverty, and driving inclusive economic growth,” Adekunle-Johnson stated.
