President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the construction of the $12 million Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship, saying the project will strengthen Nigeria’s micro, small and medium enterprise, MSMEs, ecosystem and create more opportunities for businesses to grow.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Centre is being funded by the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency, KOICA.
The facility is being developed at the SMEDAN Industrial Development Centre in Idu, Abuja, in partnership with the Federal Government through SMEDAN and the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP.
The Centre is expected to provide workspaces, digital facilities, training, incubation and enterprise support for aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses.
The initiative has an initial target of supporting 500 entrepreneurs, 400 start-ups and 1,500 MSMEs.
About $5.9 million of the investment will be used for construction, while $6.1 million will fund equipment and programmes for entrepreneurs and businesses.
President Tinubu said the Centre would provide entrepreneurs with better access to facilities, technology, training and other support needed to establish and grow their businesses.
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He said the Federal Government would continue to create conditions that enable small businesses to start, grow and employ more Nigerians.
The Centre will serve businesses in Abuja and surrounding cities, including Kaduna, Jos, Keffi, Lafia, Minna, Makurdi and Lokoja, contributing to the development of the entrepreneurship and MSME ecosystem across Northern Nigeria.
The President said the project complements the administration’s investments in digital skills, entrepreneurship, enterprise development and MSME support.
The Centre has also been designed to accommodate women and persons with disabilities, with accessible facilities and crèche services for women with young children.
While construction continues, SMEDAN, KOICA and UNDP will work with universities, incubators, financial institutions, private-sector organisations and entrepreneur networks to build a wider support system around the Centre.
President Tinubu thanked the South Korean government for the $12 million investment and commended KOICA, UNDP and SMEDAN for advancing the project.
He said Nigeria would continue to welcome investments and partnerships that strengthen local businesses, deepen enterprise development and create more jobs.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
