MSME Awards Reflect Tinubu’s Commitment to Economic Growth – Information Minister
Oru Leonard
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described the 2026 National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Awards as a clear demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to positioning small businesses as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking with journalists after the awards ceremony at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Idris said the recognition of outstanding entrepreneurs underscores the Federal Government’s determination to create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish, generate employment and drive sustainable economic development.
According to the minister, the award recipients acknowledged that the Tinubu administration’s policies and support for the MSME sector have boosted confidence among entrepreneurs and strengthened their commitment to national development.
“The awards are a clear indication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning MSMEs as the foundation of Nigeria’s economic prosperity. The beneficiaries have dedicated their achievements to Mr. President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence that with the continued support of the administration, Nigeria is firmly on the path to greater prosperity,” he said.
Idris, who was also honoured for his support towards MSME development and job creation, dedicated the recognition to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, its agencies and members of staff.
He noted that the ministry plays a critical role in ensuring Nigerians are adequately informed about government policies and programmes, particularly initiatives designed to empower entrepreneurs and expand economic opportunities.
“This recognition is not for me alone. It belongs to the Ministry, its agencies and our hardworking staff who continue to communicate government initiatives and enlighten Nigerians on the opportunities available through MSME development,” he stated.
The minister also commended the Federal Government’s disbursement of more than ₦1 billion in grants to over 1,000 beneficiaries, describing the intervention as a strategic step towards strengthening small businesses and promoting grassroots economic development.
He explained that President Tinubu’s decision to replace material gifts with direct financial grants would enable entrepreneurs to reinvest in their businesses, expand operations and create additional jobs.
“The President believes that providing cash support will enable beneficiaries to reinvest in their enterprises, grow their businesses and contribute more meaningfully to the nation’s economy. It is a new direction that will strengthen entrepreneurship and deepen grassroots economic development,” Idris added.
Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and promoting inclusive economic growth through the National MSME Awards.
He explained that the government had introduced a policy shift by replacing prizes such as cars, shops and houses with business grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦3 million, providing beneficiaries with much-needed working capital.
“In today’s economic realities, what a growing business needs most is working capital. This strategic financial support will help beneficiaries reduce operating costs, purchase raw materials, scale production and create lasting jobs for our growing population,” he said.
Shettima urged beneficiaries to use the grants responsibly by expanding their businesses, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and creating employment opportunities, while assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue collaborating with state governments and the private sector to foster an environment where innovation and enterprise can thrive.
The 2026 National MSME Awards and the public presentation of the Compendium of MSME Activities under the Renewed Hope Agenda attracted senior government officials, development partners, private sector leaders and other key stakeholders.
