Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, says Nigeria’s plan to achieve a trillion-dollar economy depends on the survival of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
He made the assertion while declaring open an Enterprise Nexus summit at the National Assembly complex Abuja.
Represented by his Deputy Mr Benjamin Kalu, the Speaker described the summit as platform towards analysing critical policy interventions and institutional coordination.
He lamented that despite Nigeria’s entrepreneurial potential, structural gaps in access to finance, infrastructure, technology, and supportive policies have hindered SMEs from reaching their full potential.
The Speaker outlined legislative measures currently underway to strengthen SMEs and policies that empower women, youth, rural artisans, and underserved communities.
In a message the Chairman National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, rtd, said Nigerian youths possess enormous creativity and potential while many faces structural barriers that hinder their journey to sustainable livelihoods.
According to Gen Bubaarwa rtd, the challenges faced by the Nigerian youth are compounded by rising threats of drug and substance abuse, which undermine both individual prospects and the broader future of the country.
He pledged continued collaboration with the National Assembly and partners to strengthen youth-friendly entrepreneurship programs, expand access to drug education, support community-based rehabilitation, and incentivize private sector participation in youth employment
COV/TSIBIRI
