FG Will Continue To Support MSMEs For Socioeconomic Growth, Development – Nnaji
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The federal government of Nigeria says it will continue to support micro, small and medium scale enterprises for Socioeconomic growth and development.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, who stated this, during the launching of the analysis section of Global Cleantech Innovation Programme in Abuja, noted that the nation recognises the critical roles of start-ups, micro, small and medium scale enterprises play in driving economic development, enhancing renewable access and contributing to broader climate change actions in the country.
Chief Nnaji opined that Small and Medium Enterprises often face significant challenges in commercialising and scaling their solutions due to insufficient policy and regulatory support, limited financing opportunities, and general weak innovation eco-system in the nation.
According to the Minister, embarking on a journey of transformative change, driven by collective efforts of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme, GCIP, a UNIDO-led initiative, sponsored by the Global Environment Facility, GEF, will bridge the gap between Cleantech Entrepreneurs and the Market, often referred to as the “valley of death” by providing competitive, business acceleration services for innovative Cleantech Startups and SMEs.
It seeks to foster an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
He stressed that the Ministry with support from UNIDO is to build, strengthen, and interconnect the institutional capacity of the stakeholders in developing policy regulations and recommendations, promoting linkages and collaborations across Global Council on International Educational Exchange, CIEE towards ensuring gender and youths mainstreaming into the economy of the nation.
The Minister commended all stakeholders for their unwavering support and commitment towards creating a sustainable future for Nigeria.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye said that the programme is aimed at boosting the capacities of small and medium enterprises so as to improve the economic growth and maintain clean energy in the country, adding that it will enhance reduction in the use of Fossil oil and Firewood to curb carbon emission.
Earlier, the National Programme Coordinator, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, UNIDO, Mr. Oluyomi Banjo, said that there is need for Clean Technology, which will not only enhance achievement of climate change mitigation and Paris agreement obligations, but also, cement Nigeria’s status as an emerging economic and technological giant.
A statement by the Deputy Director Press and Public Relations, Atuora Obed, quoted Mr. Banjo, as saying that the cleantech programme is to build robust innovation ecosystems that can identify and systematically support high impact cleantech technology innovations as well as attract large-scale investments.
