Isiyaku Ahmed
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the construction of the $12 million Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship (ACE), saying the project will strengthen Nigeria’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), create jobs and expand economic opportunities.
The Centre, funded by the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is being developed at the SMEDAN Industrial Development Centre in Idu, Abuja, in partnership with the Federal Government through SMEDAN and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Wednesday, said the project will provide workspaces, digital facilities, training, incubation and enterprise support for aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses, with an initial target of 500 entrepreneurs, 400 start-ups and 1,500 MSMEs.
According to the statement, about $5.9 million will be spent on construction, while $6.1 million will fund equipment and entrepreneurship programs.
Tinubu said the Centre would address some of the challenges faced by small businesses by improving access to facilities, technology, training and business support.
“Small businesses are an important part of our economy. They employ people, support families and create activity in communities across the country,” the President added.
He also said that the Federal Government would continue to create conditions that enable businesses to start, grow and employ more Nigerians.
The Centre is expected to serve businesses in Abuja and surrounding cities, including Kaduna, Jos, Keffi, Lafia, Minna, Makurdi and Lokoja, while contributing to the development of the MSME ecosystem across Northern Nigeria.
Tinubu said the project complements the administration’s investments in digital skills, entrepreneurship and enterprise development, adding that the Centre was designed to accommodate women and persons with disabilities through accessible facilities and crèche services.
While construction continues, SMEDAN, KOICA and UNDP will collaborate with universities, incubators, financial institutions, private-sector organisations and entrepreneur networks to establish a wider support system for businesses.
The President thanked the South Korean government for the investment and commended KOICA, UNDP and SMEDAN for advancing the project.
He said Nigeria would continue to welcome partnerships that strengthen local businesses, deepen enterprise development and create jobs.
