Ortom inaugurates council on implementation of MSMEs policy

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has inaugurated the State Council on the implementation of the national Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs.

Governor Ortom who performed the inauguration ceremony today at the New Banquet Hall of Benue Peoples House Makurdi said the council is critical in building the state’s economy.

“This council is vital in harnessing efforts of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises as critical stakeholders in building the Benue economy,” the Governor stated.

He noted that his administration had earlier inaugurated the State Council on commercialisation and privatisation to reposition public-owned enterprises in the state that had gone comatose for years, stressing that its recommendations were being weighed by government for implementation.

The Governor stated that his administration had commenced the process of setting up a state Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, pointing out that the State Executive Council had already given approval to that effect and a legislation is being awaited from the State House of Assembly.

Functions of the State 14-member MSME Council include provision of guidance on policies and strategies to drive the development of MSMEs subsector, fostering increased awareness, ensuring that national policy on MSMEs achieves intended goals among others.

Director General Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, Dr. Dikko Umaru acknowledged Benue as one of the few states to inaugurate the council, adding that the agency under his leadership would support any worthy cause that adds to MSMEs development in the state.

Chairman of the council and State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Barrister Kachina Merga said members would justify the confidence reposed in them.