The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described the 2026 National MSME Awards as a clear demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to positioning Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the foundation of Nigeria’s economic prosperity under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking with journalists after the awards ceremony at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the Minister said the recognition given to outstanding entrepreneurs reflects the Federal Government’s determination to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, generate employment and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
According to the Minister, the award recipients themselves acknowledged that the support and policy direction provided by President Tinubu have strengthened confidence within the MSME sector and inspired renewed commitment to national development. “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 have dedicated their achievements to Mr. President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence that with the continued support of the administration, Nigeria is firmly on the path to greater prosperity,” the Minister said.
Responding to questions on his own recognition for supporting MSME development and job creation, the Minister dedicated the honour to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, its agencies and members of staff.
He explained that the Ministry’s role is to ensure that Nigerians are well informed about government policies and programmes, particularly those aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and expanding 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. Our responsibility is to ensure that citizens understand the value of these programmes and appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to reposition the country for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he stated.
Commenting on the disbursement of over ₦1 billion in grants to more than 1,000 beneficiaries, the Minister described the initiative as a strategic intervention that will strengthen small businesses and deepen grassroots economic development.
He noted that the decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide direct financial grants instead of material gifts reflects a practical approach to empowering entrepreneurs to reinvest in their enterprises, 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,” the Minister added.
Earlier in his remarks at the ceremony, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the National MSME Awards remain a key expression of the Tinubu Administration’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and driving inclusive economic growth across the country.
He explained that the Federal Government had introduced a major policy shift under the Renewed Hope Agenda by replacing material prizes such as cars, shops and houses with business grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦3 million, to provide entrepreneurs with the working capital needed to expand their businesses.
According to the Vice President, “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.”
He congratulated the award recipients and urged them to make prudent use of the grants by expanding their businesses, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs and creating employment opportunities. He further assured Nigerian entrepreneurs that the Federal Government, working in partnership with state governments and the private sector, would continue to build an environment where innovation is rewarded, small businesses grow into large enterprises 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 several senior government officials and key stakeholders. Among those in attendance were the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Mr. Stanley Nkwocha; the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson; Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Bulama; Director General, Voice of Nigeria, Jubrin Baba Ndace; Director General, News Agency of Nigeria, Ali Muhammed Ali; Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, Mr Charles Ebuebu; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah; Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos as well as other senior government officials, development partners, private sector leaders and distinguished guests.