The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the 2026 National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Awards demonstrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to positioning small businesses as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking with journalists after the awards ceremony at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Idris said the recognition of outstanding entrepreneurs reflects the Federal Government’s determination to create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish, generate employment, and drive sustainable economic growth.
According to the minister, many of the award recipients credited their success to the Tinubu administration’s policies and support for the MSME sector, describing them as a major source of confidence and renewed optimism.
“The awards are a clear indication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning MSMEs as the foundation of Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
The beneficiaries dedicated their achievements to President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence that with the continued support of the administration, Nigeria is firmly on the path to greater prosperity,” Idris said.
The minister also dedicated an award presented to him for supporting MSME development and job creation to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, its agencies, and staff.
He said the ministry remains committed to ensuring Nigerians are adequately informed about government policies and programs, particularly initiatives designed to empower entrepreneurs and expand economic opportunities.
“This recognition is not for me alone. It belongs to the ministry, its agencies, and our hardworking staff who continue to communicate government initiatives and enlighten Nigerians on the opportunities available through MSME development,” he said.
Commenting on the Federal Government’s disbursement of more than N1 billion in grants to over 1,000 beneficiaries, Idris described the intervention as a strategic move to strengthen small businesses and stimulate grassroots economic development.
He said President Tinubu’s decision to replace material gifts with direct financial grants would enable entrepreneurs to reinvest in their businesses, expand operations, and create more employment opportunities.
“The President believes that providing cash support will enable beneficiaries to reinvest in their enterprises, grow their businesses, and contribute more meaningfully to the nation’s economy. It is a new direction that will strengthen entrepreneurship and deepen grassroots economic development,” he added.
Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, described the National MSME Awards as a key expression of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and promoting inclusive economic growth.
He said the Federal Government had introduced a major policy shift by replacing traditional prizes such as cars, shops, and houses with business grants ranging from N500,000 to N3 million, providing entrepreneurs with the working capital needed to expand their businesses.
“In today’s economic realities, what a growing business needs most is working capital. This strategic financial support will help beneficiaries reduce operating costs, purchase raw materials, scale production, and create lasting jobs for our growing population,” the vice president said.
He congratulated the award recipients and urged them to utilise the grants judiciously by expanding their businesses, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs, and creating employment opportunities.
Shettima also assured Nigerian entrepreneurs that the Federal Government, in collaboration with state governments and the private sector, would continue to create an environment where innovation is rewarded, small businesses thrive, and prosperity is shared by all.
The 2026 National MSME Awards and the public presentation of the Compendium of MSME Activities under the Renewed Hope Agenda attracted senior government officials, development partners, private sector leaders, and other stakeholders committed to promoting entrepreneurship and economic development in Nigeria.
