Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, has defended her empowerment initiative for petty traders, saying the programme has positively impacted beneficiaries and provided much-needed support for small businesses across communities.
Speaking on the initiative, the First Lady explained that the ₦50,000 grants were designed to assist traders engaged in small-scale businesses, including akara and roasted corn vending, among other informal sector enterprises. She noted that many beneficiaries have expressed appreciation for the financial support, which has enabled them to sustain and expand their businesses.
According to Tinubu, the programme focuses on grassroots entrepreneurship because of its potential to improve household incomes, promote self-reliance, and stimulate economic activity at the community level. She maintained that supporting micro-businesses remains an effective way of empowering vulnerable groups and creating opportunities for financial independence.
The First Lady said the selected businesses represent common and sustainable sources of livelihood for many Nigerians, making them suitable targets for intervention aimed at strengthening the informal economy.
She further emphasized that the empowerment initiative is part of broader efforts to improve the welfare of citizens by providing direct assistance to small business owners who often face challenges in accessing capital.
The programme has generated public discussion, with supporters pointing to its role in boosting grassroots economic activities, while others have called for wider interventions that reach more beneficiaries across different sectors of the economy.
Despite the debate, Tinubu reiterated that feedback from recipients has been encouraging, adding that the initiative continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many petty traders.
The empowerment scheme reflects ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurship, reduce economic hardship, and promote inclusive economic development through targeted assistance for Nigeria’s informal sector.