Inclusive economic growth remains a focal point of my administration-President Jonathan

By Mahmud Jika

The federal government has assure Nigerians that the nation’s economy will work for the betterment of all Nigerians .It has been an imperative, which signifies  the focal point of the present administration all economic growths should touch the life of all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic inclination and geo-political zones.

In achieve that emphasis is now given to creating a conducive environment   for the development micro, small and medium scale of business which have a direct bearing to the large portion of our populace.

 This assertion was made by president Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, while speaking at the inauguration of the National Council on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in Abuja.

He noted that the inauguration marked a very important turning point in his administration’s national economic development drive, with regards to its efforts to place MSMEs, as core and essential elements

of economic transformation.

According to the President, the creation of this council is a testament to the commitment of his administration to all-inclusive economic growth.

He added that the commitment is to meet the aspirations of all Nigerians and in doing so, ensuring rapid economic development, benefitting all the citizens—North, South, East, or West.

Our focus will remain to build an economy that works for all Nigerians, and the MSME council we inaugurate today, is essential to achieving this goal.

The growth of MSMEs is one that is very important in any nation that aspires towards self-sufficiency. MSMEs are the innovators, the wealth creators, as well as employment generators. Every MSME today, has the potential of growing to the large corporation of tomorrow, and that is why we are now backing the initiative with the creation of this council.

Over these past few years, Nigeria has demonstrated its determination to the rest of the world that we are focused in becoming one of the leading world’s economic engines. This, we have done by achieving a

reasonable level of macro-economic stability even in the face of global recession.

We currently rank as the top most investment destination in Africa, the largest economy on the continent and amongst the top 10 fastest growing economies in the world.

As we build a strong economy and attract unprecedented investments, we must urgently address critical economic issues of inclusion and wealth distribution. I repeat, we must ensure that this economy works for all our people. That we indeed become a land of opportunity for all, and a land where hopes become reality regardless of who you are, where you hail from or what beliefs you hold,” Jonathan said.

This council shall have the mandate to develop, support, and grow small businesses in Nigeria. To underline the importance of this Council, I have asked the Vice-President to chair the council, because

of its strategic importance on small business development and the economy of the country at large, Jonathan noted.

He announced that a National Technical Implementation Committee will be chaired by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, to serve the national council on MSMEs and fast-track the implementation of its mandate.