Stanbic IBTC Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria, strengthening partnerships with state governments and institutions focused on creating enabling business environments.
The bank made this known during its Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour held in Aba, in collaboration with the Abia State Government, where it delivered business enlightenment sessions, funding masterclasses, enterprise advisory services and capacity-building programmes for entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Michael Enyinnaya Akpara, restated the Abia State Government’s commitment to building one of Nigeria’s most competitive enterprise ecosystems through deliberate policy reforms and strategic initiatives.
He disclosed that the state is developing a comprehensive MSME Policy to provide a clear framework for enterprise development, alongside a statewide MSME Directory to improve business visibility and access to investment opportunities. He also announced plans for the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project (Abia Expo 2026), an initiative aimed at showcasing the ingenuity of Nigerian businesses, strengthening locally manufactured products, and positioning Abia as the country’s preferred destination for quality local production.
“Abia State is intentionally building an ecosystem where businesses can start, grow, compete and access markets both locally and internationally. Through the development of the State MSME Policy, the MSME Directory, the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project, we are laying the foundation for sustainable enterprise growth. Partnerships with organisations like Stanbic IBTC are critical to achieving this vision because government cannot build a thriving MSME ecosystem alone,” he said.
Speaking on Stanbic IBTC’s broader role in supporting Nigerian businesses, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Chuma Nwokocha, said businesses do not scale in isolation, but when they have access to capital, intelligence, and platforms that connect them to wider markets.
He added that the bank would accelerate MSME graduation through value chain finance, structured lending, and credit and advisory capability that turns promising businesses into durable ones, while investing in sectors set to define Nigeria’s next decade.
Also speaking, Executive Director, Business and Commercial Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Remy Osuagwu, said the company is taking a more deliberate, nationwide approach to supporting entrepreneurs by bringing practical business support closer to where businesses operate.
READ ALSO:
- Court Grants Ex-CCT Chairman Danladi Umar ₦100m Bail Over Corruption Charges
- Senate Approves ₦50m For Families Of Slain Teachers, Soldiers In Oyo Abduction
- FirstBank-Sponsored ‘Mary’ Musical Play Wows Audience with AI-Infused Storytelling | By Oladapo Sofowora
- Akpabio: We Won’t Manufacture Conflict With Tinubu’s Government
- Nigeria Loses 3,100GWh Electricity to Gas Flaring in May — NOSDRA
