Benue’s Newly Unveiled MSME, Fashion, ICT Hubs To Generate 48,000 Jobs Annually: Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima launched new Ultra-Modern MSME Clinics, Fashion and ICT Hubs in Makurdi, Benue State, on Tuesday, before noting that this is just the start of more developments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.

During the commissioning of the MSME Clinic Fashion & ICT Hub in Makurdi, the vice president said he was confident that the hub will meet global standards and could create about 48,000 jobs each year in the state.

Shettima, who was represented by Deputy Chief of Staff to the President Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, pointed out that the quick construction of the hub after the earlier launch of the MSMEs Clinic showed that the Tinubu administration's promises to entrepreneurs were being fulfilled.

"Today, as we commission this dual-purpose MSME Clinic, we bear witness to two critical truths. First, it proves that our promises to entrepreneurs are not mere rhetoric," the vice president said, as per the official State House website.

"Secondly, it affirms that the most durable interventions we can achieve as a government are born from strong intergovernmental partnerships. We are delighted to witness the fruition of these projects, and I am honored to be part of this milestone."

Shettima explained that the Benue Fashion & ICT Hub and similar facilities across Nigeria were part of the federal government's effort to create a supportive environment for MSMEs to succeed.

He noted that the Benue MSME Hub was one of the largest ever set up by the federal government. The hub featured over 200 pieces of advanced equipment for fashion manufacturing and more than 100 ICT devices.

This setup will boost production, provide ICT training, and allow for economies of scale. It was designed to produce various clothing items, including military uniforms, school uniforms, and corporate wear, for Benue State and beyond.

Shettima added that the hub will also include a one-stop shop where MSMEs can directly interact with federal government agencies to resolve regulatory issues.

This one-stop shop will allow businesses to get support and services from agencies like NAFDAC, BOA, CAC, ITF, SON, NEPC, SMEDAN, and others all in one place.

He emphasized the federal government's commitment to working with state governments and creating opportunities to meet the country's needs. He said that initiatives like the MSMEs Clinic Fashion and ICT Hubs are part of this effort.