Rivers State Government Launches N4 Billion Loan Scheme for SMEs

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has launched a N4 billion matching fund loan scheme for Micro, Small, and Medium-Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in the state. The scheme, in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI), aims to support entrepreneurial development and growth of small and medium-scale businesses in the state.

At the flag-off ceremony held at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara presented cheques valued at N3.6 billion to 3,066 MSMEs and 100 companies from the 23 local government areas of the state, including non-indigenes.

Governor Fubara emphasized the importance of credit support to small businesses, stating that it is the best approach to entrepreneurial success and economic prosperity. He noted that MSMEs are critical drivers of inclusive economic growth and development, and that empowering people to cultivate available economic opportunities through access to credit is a powerful tool for achieving financial security and prosperity.

Governor Fubara charged the BOI to grant more credit opportunities and business support funds to more Rivers entrepreneurs, and implored the beneficiary MSMEs to use the loan to grow their businesses, expand into new ventures, hire more hands, and even aspire to become bigger.

The Managing Director of Rivers State Microfinance Agency, Pastor Jonathan Tobin, applauded the governor for initiating the programme, which is intended to “Touch lives and Create Wealth” for Rivers people. He noted that the governor insisted on a single-digit interest rate of 7.5% per annum on a reducing balance.

The Managing Director of Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, thanked the governor for the opportunity to be part of the scheme and assured that the Bank is disposed to further drive the socioeconomic development of the state by supporting job creation for the teeming youths and improving the state’s internally generated revenue.

The loan scheme is a liberal loan and not a charity, and beneficiaries are expected to pay back the loan to enable others to access it. The management of Rivers State Microfinance Agency will monitor the progress of the beneficiaries and ensure a 100% recovery of the loans to guarantee the sustainability of the programme.