Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has reaffirmed the crucial role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in driving economic growth, job creation, and innovation in the country.
Speaking at the opening of the Benue Inventors and Entrepreneurs Exhibition 2025 in Makurdi, Oduwole highlighted that MSMEs contribute over 48% of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), make up 96% of businesses, and account for 84% of employment. She stressed that empowering entrepreneurs is central to Nigeria's economic transformation.
She commended local business owners for their resilience and innovation, urging Nigerians to prioritize made-in-Nigeria products. "The products on display today showcase the ingenuity and hard work of our entrepreneurs. These businesses are not just sustaining communities; they are shaping Nigeria's future," she said.
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The two-day exhibition brings together innovators, business leaders, and policymakers to explore ways to enhance Nigeria's MSME ecosystem. Oduwole assured that the Federal Government remains committed to policies that improve the ease of doing business and provide a conducive environment for enterprises to thrive.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, was praised for his efforts in fostering entrepreneurship and industrial growth. The Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nick Eworo, emphasized the state's potential as a hub for innovation in North Central Nigeria, aligning with the event's theme, "Innovating for a Sustainable Future."
He noted that Benue's vast agricultural resources and growing tech ecosystem position the state as a key player in Nigeria's economic development. "Benue is brimming with untapped talent, and this exhibition is just a glimpse of the possibilities ahead," Eworo added.
The event aims to showcase local businesses and strengthen the MSME sector, reinforcing its role as a critical pillar of Nigeria's economy.
