President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the $12 million Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship, saying the facility will expand support for small businesses, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem.
The Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship is being developed at the SMEDAN Industrial Development Centre in Idu, Abuja. The project is funded by the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with the Federal Government through SMEDAN and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Centre Targets Entrepreneurs and MSMEs
The facility will provide workspaces, digital resources, training, incubation and other forms of enterprise support for aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses.
Its initial target is to support 500 entrepreneurs, 400 start-ups and 1,500 MSMEs.
The $12 million investment includes about $5.9 million for construction, while another $6.1 million will cover equipment and programmes designed to support entrepreneurs and businesses.
Tinubu said many Nigerians already have business ideas and the determination to succeed but often lack access to the facilities, technology, training and support needed to expand.
He said the Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship would help close some of those gaps and strengthen the wider business environment.
Support to Extend Beyond Abuja
The centre is expected to serve businesses in Abuja and nearby cities, including Kaduna, Jos, Keffi, Lafia, Minna, Makurdi and Lokoja.
The project will also support the broader entrepreneurship and MSME ecosystem across Northern Nigeria.
The facility will include provisions for women and persons with disabilities. Plans include accessible infrastructure and crèche services for women with young children.
While construction continues, SMEDAN, KOICA and UNDP will work with universities, incubators, financial institutions, private-sector organisations and entrepreneur networks to develop programmes around the centre.
Tinubu Seeks More Business Growth
The President said his administration would continue to create conditions that allow small businesses to grow and compete.
He added that stronger businesses would help increase employment, household incomes and economic activity.
Tinubu also thanked the South Korean government for its investment and commended KOICA, UNDP and SMEDAN for advancing the project.
The groundbreaking for the centre took place in September, marking the start of physical construction and a wider partnership aimed at connecting entrepreneurship, innovation, skills development and job creation.
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