Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum – The Commerce Africa https://thecommerceafrica.com African Reneissance Wed, 25 Nov 2020 07:01:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9 Nigerian Govt Disburses N10bn to SMEs https://thecommerceafrica.com/nigerian-govt-disburses-n10bn-to-smes/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/nigerian-govt-disburses-n10bn-to-smes/#respond Wed, 25 Nov 2020 07:01:18 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=2768 The Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum said N10billion was disbursed to artisans who applied under the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) survival fund.

Katagum who is the Chairperson, Steering Committee on survival fund and guarantee off-take schemes, stated this at a press briefing in Abuja.

According to her, approval for the month of November is N10billion which is for the payroll of artisans, stressing that as this payment is going on, registration by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is also ongoing to ensure those not captured now will be captured for next payment.

“Again, by the time we come to brief Nigerians next week the information will change because we plan to pay the artisans weekly instead of monthly. Right now all we are concentrating on is to pay the October salary support, once we are done with October payment, November and December will be easy to handle.”

“The white list of beneficiaries fully verified for disbursement and payments to the approved block of beneficiaries have also commenced and disbursements have been approved for a total of 16,253 MSMEs businesses accounting for a total of 101,567 beneficiaries N30,000 was paid to each of the 94,696 employees/beneficiaries while N50,000 was paid to each of the 6,871 employees/beneficiaries. 2.6per cent of the beneficiaries are people with special needs while 43per cent of the total beneficiaries are women in line with the guidelines on disbursement,” she said.

She said the disbursements for Payroll Support commenced last week and it is ongoing presently across the country. “However, due to the inability of some states to meet their targets, the portal will be reopened to accommodate such states. Other milestones achieved under this track are the verification for payment of 101,567 beneficiaries sourced from 16,253 businesses as at 17th Nov 2020. The distribution of beneficiaries across the country include Lagos State, 25,000, Kano, 17,000, Abia,16,000;and13,000 for every other state,” the minister said.

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AfCFTA: Nigeria’s Aviation Sector Targets 5% Contribution to GDP by 2023 https://thecommerceafrica.com/afcfta-nigerias-aviation-sector-targets-5-contribution-to-gdp-by-2023/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/afcfta-nigerias-aviation-sector-targets-5-contribution-to-gdp-by-2023/#respond Tue, 24 Nov 2020 09:51:53 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=2763 Stakeholders in the Nigerian transportation sector have identified efficient transportation system as a key element that would guarantee the competitiveness of the Nigerian private sector especially for trade in goods in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market.

This was the central discussion at the ongoing workshop on ‘Nigeria – the Transportation Hub for Africa as part of the AfCFTA Nigeria Strategy Workshop Series II’ held virtually on 23rd November, 2020 by the National Action Committee on the AfCFTA.

The workshop, which will continue till Wednesday 25th November, 2020 was declared open by the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Mariam Yelwaji Katagum.

According to Ambassador Katagum: “For a country well-endowed in agricultural and natural resources, an efficient inter-modal transport infrastructure is a critical success requirement, as the ability of our companies to attract international business depends on time and cost to deliver goods during transit.”

Amb. Katakum, who observed that Nigeria must maximize the opportunities in the AfCFTA market for economic growth and job creation, added that: “we must promote local content across every segment of the logistics value chain. Some obvious opportunities include patronizing our locally manufactured automobiles and parts, increasing fleet ownership especially in the maritime space and growing our local share of logistics and transit-related services.”

The Minister, who tasked the stakeholders to explore the opportunities in the AfCFTA added that: “The role of transportation operators in defining efficient and effective arrangements on customs co-operation, trade facilitation and transit, should form part of the conversation not only to operationalize the AfCFTA agreement but to explore practices to reduce barriers and improve our competitiveness.”

Speaking, the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said that beyond preparations for the start of trade under AfCFTA in January, 2020: “Nigeria is investing massively in the Aviation sector in order to increase connectivity, facilitate trade and establish Nigeria as the aviation hub on the continent.” He added that the target is to raise aviation sector’s contribution to GDP to 5% by 2023.

On the Federal Government’s efforts at improving road infrastructure, Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Minister of Works and Housing, represented by Engr. Uzo, Director, Highway Planning, said: “Roads connecting Nigeria to the rest of the continent are currently being worked on as Nigeria seeks to increase our interconnectivity across Africa.”

In his presentation, Aliyu Abubakar, the Director Trade, Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment said to maximize her share of benefits in the AfCFTA, Nigeria would leverage existing capacities across agriculture, industry and services, sustain drive to improve competitiveness and drive export expansion and diversification with a vision to grow the value of Nigeria’s export to US$100bn per annum by 2030. Abubakar, who was represented by Mr. Francis Anatogu, Secretary, National Action Committee on the AfCFTA, added that that logistics services is central to the attainment of Nigeria’s AfCFTA vision.

On the economic potential of the transportation sector, Ms. Funmi Folorunsho, the Private Sector AfCFTA Champion for Transportation and Secretary General, African Ship-owners Association, said: “Growing the capacity of the transportation sector can potentially boost Nigeria’s economy by nearly $5bn per annum.”

Giving the closing remarks, Mr. Anatogu, who is also the Special Assistant to the President on Public Matters, said: “Nigeria has an urgent need to diversify the economy as our dependence on oil export is responsible for the current state of things,” adding that the AfCFTA is an opportunity to achieve the quest for the economic diversification from oil which has been the mainstay of the economy for many years.

Other key speakers at the workshop include Onyejeli Vince, Associate Director/Market Lead, KPMG, Prof. Bamidele Badejo of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Dr Alban Igwe, Deputy National President, FCILT, Mr Temisan Omatseye, Dr Joshua A. Odeyemi, Director Transport Research and Intelligence, NITT-Zaria, Mrs Adefunke Adeyemi, Regional Director Africa, IATA, Prof. Adesoji Adesanya, Head, Environment and Physical Infrastructure Policy Department, NISER and Prof. Olukayode Oyesiku of Olabisi Onabanjo University among other speakers.

Details for participation at the workshop can be accessed via www.ngrafcfta.gov.ng and Facebook/LinkedIn/Twitter: AfCFTANG

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We’re Committed to Implementing Agro-Industrial Processing Zones –Katagum https://thecommerceafrica.com/were-committed-to-implementing-agro-industrial-processing-zones-katagum/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/were-committed-to-implementing-agro-industrial-processing-zones-katagum/#respond Wed, 21 Oct 2020 06:15:28 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=2376 The Federal Government has restated its determination to partner with the private sector in the development of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) which is aimed at ensuring sustainable food security, economic growth as well as promote jobs creation and wealth generation.

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum stated this during a meeting on the development of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones with a team from Messrs. Kikachukwu Agricultural Enterprise Limited led by the Managing Director, Prince Clement N. Okonjo in her office .

The Minister stated that the Government was determined to intensify the diversification of the economy through Agro-Industrial Processing Zone Programme while specific policies have been formulated by the Ministry to support value chains in the Agriculture sector.

Amb. Katagum added that “It has therefore become imperative to partner with private sector and development partners with a view to leveraging and catalyzing resources for diversification and growth in the agro-processing industry”.

According to a statement signed by Mrs Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, the Ministry’s Assistant Director of Information, the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) concept is a comprehensive framework for the development of rural areas through one-stop approach of concentrating all the segments of agriculture value-chain of production, processing, storage and marketing in the same cluster zone.

The Minister added that the idea for establishment of the zones was to attract private investments into the huge opportunity available in modern agricultural production, agro-processing and marketing.

Amb. Katagum further said that the Presidential directive to establish Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones in every senatorial district initiative is an avenue to revamp and expand the sector in order to ensure we can be self-sufficient in producing what we can eat and possibly export.

She thanked the delegation for their desire to grow the sector and reiterated the determination of the present administration to partner with the private sector in diversifying the economy.

In his contribution, the Director, Industrial Development Department in the Ministry, Mr. Adewale Bakare re-emphasized on the need for governments to partner with committed private investor towards the development of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone.

Earlier in his presentation, the Project Consultant of Messrs. Kikachukwu Agricultural Enterprise Limited, Prince Peaceman Okonjo stated that his company was established in 1977 with an initial business of importation and sale of poultry equipment and day-old chicks; leveraging opportunities in the Nigerian Agro- allied sector, the company expanded its activities by building an integrated and mechanized poultry business.

The Project Consultant highlighted some of the technical assets of the company which included a full functional 1.5 tons per hour feed mill and warehouse capable of holding 600 tons of feed milling materials situated on 3 acres of land; hatchery complex building for housing the hatching equipment (setters and incubators) capable of setting and hatching up to 570,000 eggs, eight poultry houses with the capacity for holding up to 56,000 commercial and parent stock birds among others.

He also listed the challenges facing the company which ranged from government policies and political climate, inadequate funding and other factors.

The project consultant expressed optimism that the revitalization of their project which is in line with the focus of President Buhari led- administration to develop agro allied industries in all the senatorial zones of the country would provide gainful employment for up to 1500 individuals directly or indirectly within the first 3 years of operations.

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Buhari Creates Enormous Job Opportunities for Youth –Katagum https://thecommerceafrica.com/buhari-creates-enormous-job-opportunities-for-youth-katagum/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/buhari-creates-enormous-job-opportunities-for-youth-katagum/#respond Sat, 17 Oct 2020 14:19:10 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=2339 The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum said President Muhammadu Buhari administration has created enormous opportunities for Nigerian youth to become productive in employment and entrepreneurship through the collaborative project of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) tagged “ITF-NECA Technical Skills Development Project (TSDP).”

The Minister made the commendation while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the TSDP Stakeholders’ Dialogue Forum and Awards Ceremony at selected locations nationwide on Friday.

The Minister noted that TSDP was conceived to tackle the challenges of unemployment, underemployment and restiveness among the youth in Nigeria by providing them opportunities to acquire requisite skills for self and national development, stating that “Since conception and in conjunction with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), the project has created enormous opportunities for Nigerian youth to become productive in employment or entrepreneurship”.

The Minister was quoted in a statement signed by the Ministry’s Assistant Director Press, Mrs. Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, to have pointed out that “Conscious of the competing demands and pressure on the lean government purse, the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has always encouraged its Agencies to engage in Public-Private Partnership, as an increasingly effective strategy for drawing together the resources and know-how that are needed for public benefit”.

Amb. Katagum noted that, “While familiar with the vision and mission of the Project, my participation in this ceremony has further enlightened me on the fact that the beneficiaries of the Project cut across the six geo-political zones of the country and I am most delighted that over 90 percent of these youth are immediately snapped up by Industry for employment, while others set up on their own. This attests to the high quality and standards of the training.”

She maintained that the change that the country desired was for the youth to have a better standard of living, by equipping them with requisite life skills to get them economically engaged, leading to the reduction in social vices.

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Kano Leads as 138,000 MSMEs Registered for Survival Fund in 24hours https://thecommerceafrica.com/kano-leads-as-138000-msmes-registered-for-survival-fund-in-24hours/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/kano-leads-as-138000-msmes-registered-for-survival-fund-in-24hours/#respond Thu, 24 Sep 2020 14:17:07 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=2065 The Minister of State, Federa Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum Thursday said no fewer than 138,000 MSMEs have registered for the government’s intervention under ‘MSME Survival Fund’ scheme which commenced on the 21st September 2020 at 11pm.

According to Amb. Katagum, Within the first 24 hours approximately 138,000 individuals had logged on, created profiles, and completed the first stage of registration with Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos as the lead states.

The tex of the media briefing gave by the Minister and copied to The Commerce Africa by the information office of the Ministry read further:

“Gentlemen of the press, you are all welcome to this media briefing to provide an update on the N75 billion National MSME Survival Fund and the Guaranteed Off-take Stimulus Schemes under the Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP).

“Before I proceed, let me on behalf of the FMITI and in my own personal name, extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims of the tragic oil tanker crash which occurred yesterday in Lokoja, Kogi State. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace and may the Almighty Allah comfort the families, Ameen.

“Gentlemen of the press, you will recall the last world press conference which we held on Thursday 10th September, 2020 and our promise to keep updating you from time to time on the progress in the implementation of the National MSME Survival Fund and the Guaranteed Offtake Scheme. From the outset, let me also thank you immensely for the wide coverage given by the media which I believe was pivotal for the public awareness created for the successful takeoff of registration for the schemes.

“You will recall that the Scheme is a cluster of Grants intended to support vulnerable micro and small enterprises in meeting their payroll obligations and safeguard jobs within the MSME space from the shock of the Covid19 Pandemic. Its specific objectives are:

“Stimulate direct local production in the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT by enabling MSME’s in the production sector with funds to stimulate ‘post COVID lockdown’ off-take products.

“Augment the payroll obligations of businesses in the Health, production, Education, Hospitality and Food production sectors.

“Provide 50,000 Naira grants each to an additional eligible 100,000 MSMEs.

“The program is to save over One Million, Seven Hundred Thousand (1,700,000) jobs.

“Special focus will be given to 45% female owned MSME’s and 5% Special needs owned MSME’s and give grants to self-employed individuals especially service providers like Bus drivers, Taxi drivers, ride share drivers and artisans such as electricians and plumbers. You will also recall that the scheme will be implemented along the following tracks:

“PAYROLL SUPPORT – This track targets 500,000 individual beneficiaries. The scheme will support MSME payroll obligations by paying between N50,000 (max) and N30,000 (min) to between 3 (min) and 10 (max) staff for 3 months. MSMEs in this category are required to have a minimum of 3 and maximum of 50 Staff on their payroll to qualify.
“TARGET BENEFICIARIES – MSMEs in the Hospitality industry, Private Schools, Factory owners, Law Firms, Hospitals etc.

“GENERAL MSME GRANTS – N50,000 Grants to 100,000 MSMEs. This group of beneficiaries is encouraged to take advantage of registration through MSME Associations, registered Business Clusters, Trade Associations and Unions etc.

“TARGET BENEFICIARIES – All qualified MSMEs

“FORMALIZATION SUPPORT (CAC REGISTRATION) – Registration of 250,000 new businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). At no cost to the MSMEs. The FG will pay CAC N6,000 for each registration.
TARGET BENEFICIARIES – All MSMEs that require formalization.

“ARTISAN TRANSPORT GRANTS- One-off Payment of N30,000 to each beneficiary. The following shall be the categories of self-employed individuals eligible to participate in the Survival Fund Scheme.
“TARGET BENEFICIARIES – Mechanics, Taxi Drivers, Hairdressers, Keke Napep Riders, Okada riders, plumbers, electricians etc.

“GUARANTEED OFFTAKE STIMULUS SCHEME – The objective of the MSME Guaranteed Offtake Stimulus Scheme is to protect and sustain the income of vulnerable Micro and Small Enterprises by guaranteeing the offtake of their products like:

“Face Masks
Hand sanitizer
Liquid Soap
Disinfectant
Processed Foods

“TARGET BENEFICIARIES -MSMEs in the production Sector.

“Gentlemen of the press, I am pleased to inform you that Registration for the MSME Survival Fund commenced on the 21st September 2020 at 11pm. Within the first 24 hours approximately 138,000 individuals had logged on, created profiles, and completed the first stage of registration with Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos as the lead states.

“All successful applicants received SMS and email verification with a list of requirements for the second stage of application which will commence on 1/10/2020. Applicants will be required to upload details supporting their applications which will be verified and if successful, approved for disbursements.

“The following states recorded the highest number of applications in the first 24hrs of registration:

“Kano – 16,880
Kaduna – 11,438
Lagos – 10, 530
Katsina – 7,354
Bauchi – 6,622

“As at 8.30am this morning, total successful registrations stood at 174,574 with the following states having the highest applications as follows:
Kano: 19,895
Kaduna:13,575
Lagos: 13,640
Katsina: 8,383
FCT: 8,085

“Registration for other tracks will start as follows:
Hospitality industry 25/09/2020 – 10:00AM
Payroll Support (others) 28/09/2020 – 10:00AM
Artisan/Transport Grants 1/10/2020

“Some states and local governments that have low access to network connectivity and internet services are experiencing delays with registration. However, we also have feedback that State Governments and trade associations are putting in place innovative strategies to deal with the situation.

“Focal Persons of these states (and all other states) are encouraged to continue with their sensitization efforts; all states need to be equally represented in the Scheme.

“The PDO has received reports of some attempted cyber-attacks on the application website. We would like to assure the public that the application system is secure with multiple levels of encryption and any information loaded on the official application page is safe from cyber-attacks of any kind.

“We would however like to draw the attention of the public to attempts by scammers and other undesirable elements to swindle innocent Nigerians with promises of assured disbursements for a fee.

“The Survival Fund will not at any time or for any reason request payment or facilitation fees to access the Grants.
“The public is encouraged to report any such nefarious activities to the nearest security agents and follow up with a report to the PDO via the mediums provided on the website.

“On behalf of all MSMEs across the country, I want to thank His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for this critical intervention at this time of economic hardship coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I also want to place on record our continued appreciation to His Excellency, the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for his steadfast leadership and guidance since the conception of this scheme.

“Let me also appreciate all the State Governors who have effectively mobilised and provided a conducive environment for small business owners to register for the schemes. Also to appreciate NASME, the Association of Private School Proprietors and other trade Associations for mobilising their members for successful registration.

“Finally, let me thank all the members of the Steering Committee and the Project Delivery Office for working tirelessly to ensure the success of this scheme.

“To the Gentlemen of the press, thank you very much as we count on your continued support and collaboration.

“thank you for listening and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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Nigeria to Open Registration Portal for N75bn MSME Fund on Monday https://thecommerceafrica.com/nigeria-to-open-registration-portal-for-n75bn-msme-fund-on-monday/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/nigeria-to-open-registration-portal-for-n75bn-msme-fund-on-monday/#respond Sat, 19 Sep 2020 13:17:16 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=1998 The Federal Government of Nigeria will on Monday 21st September, 2020 opened the registration portal for the N75 billion MSME Survival Fund and Guaranteed Offtake Schemes.

The Chair of the Steering Committee for the effective implementation of the projects and the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum (picture), made the disclosure on Saturday at the virtual commissioning of the Fashion Cluster Shared Facility for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) coined “Eko Fashion Hub” in Lagos.

Amb. Katagum noted that President Buhari administration has through the Economic Sustainability Committee launched the funding programmes aimed at cushioning the economic impact of Covid-19 on MSMEs operating in Nigeria.

A statement from the Ministry’s Assistant Director of Information, Mrs. Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, quoted the State Minister as saying the “schemes are at the core of the N2.3 trillion stimulus package also known as the Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) being implemented by the Buhari Administration to help cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with a view to boosting the economy by saving existing jobs and creating new job opportunities.”

She stated that “the provision of Shared Facilities in support of MSMEs, is being complemented by activities in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

“It has been established, and rightly so, that Shared Facilities have been found to be effective tools to minimize the infrastructural challenges that have inhibited MSMEs overtime, she added.

Amb. Katagum, who advised Nigerian MSME operators to take full advantage of the Shared Facility as well as the MSME Survival Fund and Guaranteed Offtake Schemes, believed that “these initiatives have come at the right time for MSMEs in Lagos State in particular, and Nigeria in general.”

The Minister stated that “the project, which will run for an initial period of three months, is targeting 1.7million entities and individuals and has provisions for 45% female-owned businesses and 5% for those with special needs.”

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Nigeria Launches Stimulus Schemes for MSMEs https://thecommerceafrica.com/nigeria-launches-stimulus-schemes-for-msmes/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/nigeria-launches-stimulus-schemes-for-msmes/#respond Fri, 11 Sep 2020 07:40:00 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=1899 The Federal Government on Thursday inaugurated two schemes to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to cushion the effects of COVID-19 and save over 100,000 small businesses.

The two schemes, Survival Fund and the Guaranteed Off-take Stimulus Schemes, were under the Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Katagum, Chairperson of the Steering Committee, who inaugurated the schemes at a World Press Conference, said that over 1.7 million Nigerians would be impacted.

According to the minister, part of the terms of reference of the NESP include,  the support of MSMEs and the creation of jobs, hence the inauguration.

Going by recent statistics released by SMEDAN and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) over 95 per cent of the 41 million MSMEs in Nigeria are micro businesses. Consequently the nation could not  afford to neglect this huge segment of its  economic landscape.

“It is in view of the foregoing that the NESP has given high priority to the implementation of the MSMEs Survival Fund and the Guaranteed Off-take Schemes.

“The survival fund scheme is expected to commence immediately while the GOS will follow as soon as the modalities are put in place properly to meet current realities.

“The survival fund is a conditional grant to support vulnerable Micro and Small enterprises in meeting their payroll obligations and safeguard jobs in MSMEs from the shock of the COVID- 19 pandemic.

“The scheme is estimated to save at least 1.3 million jobs across the country, while targeting an average of 35,000 individuals per state,” she said.

She explained that there were two categories of beneficiaries: Employees of MSMEs and self employed individuals.

According to the minister, prerequisites for qualification include that the employees’ company be registered, employee must have a BVN, the company must have a staff strength of not less than three and must be owned by a Nigerian.

For the guaranteed off-take stimulus scheme, she explained that the impact of the lockdown occasioned by COVID-19,  led to a fall in Nigerian corporate and household demands, forcing consumers to spend primarily on essential goods and services.

“The MSMEs  guaranteed off-take stimulus scheme is one of federal government’s economic support measures to assist micro and small businesses affected by the pandemic.

“The target beneficiaries for the guaranteed scheme will be micro and small businesses registered in Nigeria.

“We will leverage on the databases of micro and small enterprises in identifying those businesses that will qualify under the program and will save about 400,000 jobs.

“Let me reiterate that the scheme will give preference to products produced in reasonably sufficient volumes in each state which have proven propensity to create jobs and have a multiplier effect on the surrounding economy.

“It is to be noted that the two schemes are expected to be implemented over an initial period of three months in order to provide immediate relief from the economic impact of the pandemic,” she said.

She disclosed that the government was putting in place mechanisms for effective and efficient monitoring and evaluation of the implementation matrix.

She, however, called for the support of the media and indeed all Nigerians to the success of the projects.

NAN

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Nigeria Govt Renews Commitment On Vocational Training https://thecommerceafrica.com/nigeria-govt-renews-commitment-on-vocational-training/ https://thecommerceafrica.com/nigeria-govt-renews-commitment-on-vocational-training/#respond Thu, 27 Aug 2020 14:59:44 +0000 http://thecommerceafrica.com/?p=1733

The Nigeria’s State Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum (picture), Thursday launched vocational training programmes as part of the government’s efforts to address unemployment in the country.

Describing the training as a demonstration of commitment by the Federal Government towards improving the country’s economy and livelihood of the citizenry, Ambassador Katagum stressed that “job creation leads to poverty reduction and improved welfare of the poor.”

A statement from the Ministry signed by Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, an Assistant Director Information, said the vocational training is a joint efforts of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

According to the Minister, who performed the virtual kick-off ceremony, “President Muhammadu Buhari led –administration has deliberately placed a lot of emphasis on skills acquisition, as a vehicle to generate employment, increase employability of the youth and alleviate poverty.”

The Minister commended the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for the notable efforts it has been making towards equipping Nigerians with life skills that would add value to the economy and therefore appealed to other critical stakeholders to follow the example of the ITF and the NCDMB in this direction.

“Considering the enormity of challenges posed by unemployment and its undesirable effects, collaborative efforts between Agencies of government is crucial, if we are to successfully overcome the personal and social costs of unemployment, such as severe financial hardship and poverty, intolerable debts, homelessness, rising criminality and insecurity,” she noted.

She urged the trainees to make good use of the opportunity and use the skills to be acquired not only to put food on the table but also contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of Nigeria.

Amb. Katagum congratulated the management of the Industrial Training Fund and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board as well as the trainees for the commencement of the training sessions and expressed optimism that the expected outcomes would be of benefit to all and of service to the country.

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