Tinubu says $12m Abuja entrepreneurship centre will support MSMEs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the construction of the $12 million Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship (ACE), saying the project will strengthen Nigeria’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) ecosystem, create jobs and expand economic activity.

The facility, funded by South Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is expected to provide training, technology, incubation and other business support to entrepreneurs.

According to a statement from the State House, the centre will serve businesses in Abuja and surrounding cities, including Kaduna, Jos, Keffi, Lafia, Minna, Makurdi and Lokoja, while contributing to a stronger entrepreneurship and MSME ecosystem across Northern Nigeria.

The project aims to support the wider MSME and entrepreneurship ecosystem by providing facilities, technology, training and enterprise support for aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses, with an initial target of 500 entrepreneurs, 400 start-ups and 1,500 MSMEs.

President Tinubu stated that the Federal Government would continue to expand the conditions that allow small businesses to grow and compete. He noted that the project complements the administration’s wider investments in digital skills, entrepreneurship, enterprise development and support for MSMEs.

The centre has also been designed to accommodate women and persons with disabilities, including accessible facilities and crèche services for women with young children.