80% of Nigeria’s Workforce Would Be Jobless Without MSMEs – Shettima

• Vice President Kashim Shettima states that MSMEs account for 96% of Nigerian businesses, emphasizing their critical role in job creation
• He inaugurated the Benue State Fashion Hub, projecting it will create 48,000 jobs and strengthen the local economy significantly

Vice President Kashim Shettima asserted on Tuesday that 80% of Nigeria’s workforce would be jobless without the existence of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Shettima made this statement in Makurdi during the commissioning of the Benue State Fashion Hub and Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation.

He said, “MSME is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for 96% of all Nigerian businesses and contributing over 45% to our economy. Without them, over 80% of Nigeria’s workforce would have been unemployed. Today, MSMEs are the nation’s lifeline, providing a strong pillar for stability. It will be impossible to grow Nigeria’s economy if the MSME does not remain a top priority.”

The Vice President, represented by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praised the Benue Fashion Hub, stating it was the largest among the five hubs commissioned by the current administration.

He noted that the hub would become a center of excellence in Northern Nigeria, help revive Benue’s rich cultural fashion heritage, and boost the state’s economy by creating jobs for many of its residents.

“Benue Hub is the largest in the country, with over 200 pieces of machine equipment and more than 100 ICT devices in this cluster. This hub can ramp production, provide ICT training, and generate economic growth. The Benue Fashion Hub is capable of creating 48,000 jobs per annum. It can produce military uniforms, school uniforms, and more for Benue State and beyond,” the Vice President added.

Earlier, Governor Hyacinth Alia explained that the Benue State Fashion Hub, initiated by the Vice President and gifted to Benue State, remains a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda to promote creativity, foster innovation, create employment, and provide opportunities for the people.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the 70 computers donated by your office to power the ICT section of this hub, the various sewing and weaving machines, the 100KVA generator, and other equipment. The hub, acclaimed to be the biggest in the country, can accommodate more machines and equipment to engage youths. Hence, we are requesting the supply of additional machines, especially the monogram and other specialized machines for garment making.”