The Nigerian government has approved a N75 billion loan scheme with a nine per cent interest rate for 75,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, across Nigeria.
Scheduled for launch in 2025, this scheme aims to foster economic growth by targeting women and youth-owned enterprises, creating jobs, and stimulating local economies.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, outlined the project’s goals at a town hall meeting in Abuja, noting its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This scheme is a concrete manifestation of Tinubu’s commitment to economic transformation. By focusing on MSMEs, which are the backbone of our economy, we aim to diversify income streams, boost exports, and provide valuable job opportunities,” he said.
The loan, a joint effort among the Federal Government, the Bank of Industry, BOI, and state governments, offers single-digit interest rates with individual loans capped at N1 million.
This move is expected to alleviate some of the challenges MSMEs face, particularly high production costs due to recent fuel subsidy removal.
The BOI’s Enugu Branch Head, Mrs Anuli Akabogu, highlighted this during a session in Enugu, saying: “The government understands the burdens MSMEs face; this fund is intended to ease the cost of production.”
At the sensitisation event in Akwa Ibom, Commissioner for Trade and Investment, John James, urged beneficiaries to prudently utilise the loan.
“This is an opportunity to scale your businesses responsibly. MSMEs drive economies globally, and we want the same for Nigeria,” he said.
To reach potential recipients, government agencies like the Corporate Affairs Commission, Federal Inland Revenue Service, and other partners have joined efforts, touring the nation to inform business owners of the application criteria.
In Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani, represented by his Special Adviser on Economic Matters, praised President Tinubu’s dedication to economic empowerment.
He noted: “This initiative proves Tinubu is a leader who listens to the needs of Nigerians. Through this, MSMEs will revitalise not just the local economy but bolster our national strength.”
BOI officials stressed the importance of following the correct application procedures.
Tola Adekunle-Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation, cautioned applicants against fraud.
“This loan has a fixed interest rate with no hidden fees. Visit any BOI branch to apply directly; don’t fall victim to middlemen,” he advised.
The scheme requires applicants to present key documents, including a federal civil service guarantor, to qualify.
Mr Michael Agidani, BOI manager in Ogun State, shared that the bank has already begun disbursing loans, with an initial N1 billion reaching MSMEs in the state.
As the rollout begins, the initiative’s reach is expected to improve national economic resilience, expand export capacities, and fulfill Tinubu’s vision of a revitalised Nigerian economy.
