The Nigerian Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Mariam Katagum, has restated the focus of the Federal Government at supporting women-owned micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
Led by its National Coordinator, Mrs. Anne Ugbo, on a courtesy visit in Abuja, the Minister received a delegation of the Federation of Women Associations in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (FEDWIM), and in assuring them of the government’s efforts appreciated Nigeria’s female entrepreneurs, who through their ingenuity, have always contributed their quota to the growth and development of the national economy.
It was in the Minister’s view that women should be encouraged to enhance their level of contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), noting that the government took to focus women-owned businesses in the allocation of the MSMEs Survival Fund Scheme to cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, with women-owned businesses receiving 45 percent and five percent for those with special needs in their businesses.
A statement from the Minister, issued by Assistant Director of Information, Mrs. Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, read that:
“The federal government clearly understands the place of women in the economic development of our nation and that is why this Ministry is doing everything possible to support them”
In her remarks, the Minister commended the association its varied achievements in championing the cause of women-owned businesses and advised the delegation to formally write to the ministry, indicating areas of collaboration that will be suitable for both parties.
