President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigerians have no reason to live in poverty, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

Speaking at the 8th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Calabar on Wednesday — represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima — Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s vast human and natural resources, noting that Cross River State, in particular, has fertile land capable of growing almost every crop.

“The Federal Government intends to plant 100 million oil palm trees, more than any other state. Cross River has an advantage,” he said.

Tinubu outlined his government’s ongoing efforts to ensure access to capital and create an enabling environment for businesses, pledging to support ventures that will redefine the future of work, skills, and industry. He commended the Cross River Government for establishing a state-of-the-art communications and technology hub for MSMEs, which will provide high-speed internet, modern equipment, and collaborative spaces for entrepreneurs.

“The digital world has space for the market woman in Ikom, the furniture maker in Calabar, and the fashion designer in Ogoja, Ugep, or Odukpani,” Tinubu stated, adding that the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused not just on loans and grants, but on building an ecosystem that boosts creativity and infrastructure.

Governor Bassey Otu described the MSME Clinic as a joint initiative between the Federal Government and Cross River to stimulate entrepreneurship and economic growth. He revealed that the state, through its Micro Finance and Enterprise Development Agency, has trained over 3,500 entrepreneurs in various business skills.

The Head of the Bank of Industry (BOI) Cross River office, Mr. Pius Neji, noted that the bank had disbursed about ₦260 million to support rural businesses in the state, stressing that Cross River’s industrial potential could significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic advancement.