The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has affirmed that Nigeria’s economic potential is on the rise once again, thanks to the dynamic and purposeful leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Idris made this known during a press briefing held on Friday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, ahead of the 4th African Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Forum and the 7th National MSME Awards.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Tinubu has approved the formation of an oversight committee to facilitate Nigeria’s hosting of the continental event, scheduled to take place from June 23 to June 27 in Abuja. This year’s Forum is themed “Building Resilient MSMEs through Digital Innovation, Market Access and Affordable Financing for Africa.”
The Forum is expected to attract over 50 delegates from across Africa who will convene to deliberate on pressing issues facing small businesses on the continent. These include challenges related to affordable financing, enhancing digital innovation, and improving access to markets.
Minister Idris emphasized that Nigeria’s decision to host the Forum aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to accelerating the country’s socio-economic development. He highlighted the president’s extensive business acumen, which is now being effectively applied to reposition the country for sustainable growth.
“President Tinubu’s approval for the Forum is not just symbolic—it reflects Nigeria’s readiness to engage the global economy,” Idris said. “Nigeria is rising again, and the world is paying attention. Hosting this event signals our intent to open our economy to the world and establish our place in Africa’s business landscape.”
He also appealed to the media for their support in ensuring successful coverage of the event, which he described as a platform to project Nigeria’s re-emergence as a business-friendly and investment-ready nation.
Speaking at the same briefing, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, stated that the Forum’s core objective is to empower MSMEs by enhancing policies and fostering strategic partnerships. These efforts, he said, will help develop intra-African value chains and create a more enabling environment for small businesses to thrive continent-wide.
Sen. Hadejia called on key stakeholders and industry players within Nigeria to maximize the networking and investment opportunities that the Forum offers, both within and beyond Africa.
Also speaking, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, expressed confidence that the Forum will positively influence Nigeria’s tourism and cultural sectors. She underscored the potential of the event to shape impactful policies for the industry and further promote President Tinubu’s rebranding initiative, “Destination Nigeria.”
The President’s Special Adviser on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, who also serves as the Secretary of the Forum’s organizing committee, gave further details of the event. He revealed that the Forum will feature keynote paper presentations, technical panel sessions, and informal “fireside chats” designed to stimulate meaningful conversations around MSME development.
According to him, the Forum will also include tech showcases, innovation exhibitions, and extensive networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and business leaders across the continent. A major highlight will be the National MSME Awards, during which outstanding small business owners in Nigeria will receive recognition in the form of cash prizes, stores, and even houses.
Adekunle-Johnson noted that President Tinubu’s support for hosting the Forum reflects his recognition of the crucial role MSMEs play in fostering economic growth, generating employment, and reducing poverty across Nigeria.
