Lack of steady power bane of small businesses in Nigeria –presidency

The technical assistant to the Vice-President on Small and Medium Scale business, Mr. Tola Johnson, has said that small scale industries in Nigeria shall continue to have teething problems in the absence of steady power in the country.

The Technical Adviser, made this revelation in Abuja Wednesday, while addressing the media preparatory to the forthcoming nationwide MSME business clinic in Abuja.

He remarked that his office in order to encourage the engagement of the SMEs, has decided to advise the Federal government, through the office of the minister of power, to ensure that there is improvement in power generations to help the small scale business men and women grow reasonably to meaningfully contribute to the economic development of the country.

He also stated that state governors at different states of the federation should ensure that there is the presence of power at every level to encourage the small scale business in Nigeria, stressing that no country’s economy survives without the meaningful contribution of power.

According to Mr. Johnson, “states like Abia, has just started reasonable investment in power generation to ensure the survival of the small industries in their states to an extent that the entire Nation boost the economy.

We had a discussion with the Governors, who cried out about the impending danger of the small scale business in the state and the minister of Power and other private investors also were involved to ensure a positive response and lasting solution.

You all know that Abia state, is known for production of locally made footwear and clothing so power is quite necessary at that part of the country to power the machinery.”

On the existing relationship between his office and the SMEs, he remarked that bridges the gap of difficulties between the two bodies, that is the SMEs seeking loans and the Bank of industry, the CBN as well as other financial institutions.

He further stated that part of his duty, is to ensure that there is no prejudice in dealing with the products of the SMEs also to encourage on standards of products to suit international market.

“We have always intervened and play advisory roles to ensure that the locally manufactured goods meet international standards.

Because it is not ideal when Nigerian products fails to scale the test and are returned back or pushed under the ocean to feed the fish instead of feeding human. The NAFDAC, SON and other regulatory agencies to encourage them.”

He further stated that part of his duty, is to ensure that there is no prejudice in dealing with the products of the SMEs also to encourage on standards of products to suit international market.

intervened and play advisory roles to ensure that the locally manufactured goods meet international standards.

“We have always this interaction Business Owners will understand better the roles of Business Regulators and the regulatory challenges that exist will be addressed on the spot by regulators.

He said that “the Business Clinic is expected to host 5000 MSMEs Within and outside the FCT. The activities of the 2-day program include Exhibition, Business Matching & Market Linkage, One on One Interaction with Regulatory Bodies, Interactive sessions such as Business round table meeting and Policy Advocacy Forum.”

The CEO remarked that part of the gains of the SMEs clinic, is fashioning ways to create a platform where Business Regulatory Bodies, Business Development Service Providers and Businesses can interact and provide solutions to challenge inhibiting the setup and growth of MSMEs in the FCT.

Also to be able to sensitize Business Owners on policies, programs and initiatives designed by the Federal Government for supporting and encouraging MSMEs.Part of the clinic he said, is to promote and showcase Made in Nigeria goods and services.