Abuja Centre For Entrepreneurship: FG, UNDP, Korea Deepen Support For MSMEs

The Federal Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Republic of Korea reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship, innovation and small business development in Nigeria at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship (ACE).

The ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together government officials, development partners, diplomatic representatives and stakeholders in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector.

Representing the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, at the event, Dr Aliyu Modibo emphasised the importance of ensuring that development initiatives have a direct impact on communities and individuals.

He said the government was committed to strengthening the MSME ecosystem through entrepreneurship training, improved access to infrastructure and collaboration with development partners.

He noted that investment in entrepreneurship was essential to equipping young Nigerians with the skills, networks and opportunities required to build sustainable businesses and contribute to economic growth.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, who presided over the ceremony, said the initiative was part of efforts to expand opportunities for entrepreneurship development and bring economic empowerment closer to Nigerians.

In her welcome address, the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Elsie Attafuah, described the groundbreaking ceremony as an important milestone in the partnership supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Nigeria.

Attafuah said the project represented more than the construction of a physical facility, stressing that it was an investment in people, particularly young Nigerians, and in the country’s economic future.

She highlighted the growing partnership between Nigeria and Korea, noting that the collaboration was founded on shared aspirations, development cooperation, and the exchange of knowledge and experience.

According to her, Nigeria’s young population represents a significant opportunity for innovation and economic transformation, provided young people are equipped with the necessary skills, networks and enabling environment to succeed.

She also referenced Korea’s development experience, noting the value of its transformation and the lessons that could be adapted to support Nigeria’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The ceremony also featured remarks from representatives of the Republic of Korea, the National Assembly, development agencies and other stakeholders involved in supporting MSME development.

The Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr Charles Odi, commended the stakeholders involved in the project, noting that the centre was expected to provide a platform for entrepreneurship training, business development and collaboration.

He added that the initiative would help strengthen the capacity of small businesses to contribute to employment creation and economic development.

The event underscored the importance of partnerships among government institutions, international development organisations, diplomatic missions and private-sector stakeholders in advancing Nigeria’s entrepreneurship agenda.