The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reviving Nigeria’s commercial oil palm and cocoa industries, with Vice President Kashim Shettima announcing bold plans to plant 100 million oil palm trees nationwide.
Shettima made the declaration on Tuesday while opening the seventh edition of the expanded National MSME Clinic in Ondo State. He emphasized the critical role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in driving economic growth, noting that they account for 90% of jobs in Nigeria and are essential to poverty reduction and national prosperity.
“The growth of our economy must go hand in hand with the growth of small businesses,” Shettima said, assuring continued federal support for MSMEs.
He also revealed that 65 MSMEs in Ondo State have already benefited from the Federal Government’s ₦75 billion intervention fund, highlighting the state’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described MSMEs as catalysts for progress, aligning with his administration’s seven-point development agenda. Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji praised the MSME Clinic initiative and urged Nigerians to embrace locally made products as a path to sustainable development.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to enhance productivity and boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
