The Nigerian government has announced plans to reward the overall best-performing micro, small, and medium enterprises, MSMEs, in the country with prizes worth over N220 million.

 

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing to launch the 7th National MSMEs Award.

 

Adekunle-Johnson announced that the registration portal will be open for all Nigerian businesses from Friday, 7th March 2025, to 7th April 2025.

 

According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s government is committed to improving the lives of Nigerians.

 

He added that businesses owned by persons with disabilities will be recognised for their contributions to Nigeria’s economy.

 

“The portal will be open from Friday, 7th March 2025, to 7th April 2025.

 

“We have taken into account businesses run by people living with disabilities, so a PWDs category will be included. They will have the opportunity to compete for various prizes.

 

“This year, SMEs will win stores, shops, cars, and cash prizes. The overall winner will go home with a house, store, car, and cash prize.

 

“We want to transform the lives of some of these MSMEs. We want someone to say, ‘It was under Tinubu’s government that I got my own shop, house, or car.’

 

“This year’s MSME winners will receive a house, shop, car, and N20 million in cash.

 

“The overall winner will receive prizes worth over N220 million,” he said.

 

He explained that the recognition will take place alongside other financial interventions by the Federal Government.

 

“This means that Nigerian MSMEs will be recognised based on their business strengths across ten broad categories.”

 

The screening committee will include representatives from the National Information Technology Development Agency, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the Bank of Industry, and other key government agencies.