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COVID -19: NAWE’s DG Ask For Inclusion Of Products By MSMEs In Palliatives Disbursed By FG

The Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE), Nse Udoh, has asked for the inclusion of products made by MSMEs in the palliative disbursed by the federal government in this period of the global pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19)

Nigerian Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE) is a business membership organization. NAWE exists to ensure the empowerment of women for a greater Nigeria.

To actualize this, it has since 1993, been facilitating for its members, skills step up, capacity building, advocacy on policy reform initiatives, access to information technology and tech solutions for MSMEs.

With a tangible presence in the 6 geo zones of Nigeria and the FCT. NAWE’s membership is 60% rural.

After reviewing the effects of the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic on MSMEs and appraisal of ongoing Federal Government’s palliatives to cushion the effect, NAWE is calling for A REVIEW OF STRATEGY.

Director-General, NAWE, Nse Udoh Ph.D., in a statement issued after the just concluded Association’s virtual town hall meeting, said, “NAWE resolved that the Federal government should revise review and rejig its current strategy in sourcing and distributing palliatives across the nation.”

The current modus operandi needs to be more purposeful if the desired impact is to be achieved. As currently operated it will not serve Donors’ intentions as there are gaps that can be easily exploited to compromise it.

NAWE noticed also that structured BMOs have not been included in the planning and execution of these processes. It is, therefore, calling on government, private sector, donors, especially development partners to source items and products from MSMEs when considering making donations.

“We believe that donations need not be the usual. Patronizing products made by MSME’s especially women-led ones will not only empower them but also ensure generation of the required funding, stakeholder inclusion, Stoke patriotism and generate data for planning of this and future interventions. Sustainability and the positive impact on these small businesses will also prepare MSME’s for the post COVID-19 while addressing the inclusion gap in the scheme of things.”

“NAWE with tangible presence in the six geo-political zones and FCT will be willing to assist in the sourcing, supply and distribution of proudly Nigerian products made by women-run MSME. Our MSMEs have the competency to collaborate with FG on this. It is our resolve that the gender lens be applied to include women SMEs. Empowering these Women-led small businesses will also bridge the gap in affirmative procurement, stoke patriotism and survival of the sector post COVID-19.

NAWE commends government for the political will, and believe that this review is needed and urgent to ensure better reach and impact. MSMEs especially women-owned ones must be equipped for a post COVID 19 economic climate.

The desired impact is to be achieved. As currently operated will not serve Donor’s intentions there are gaps that can be easily exploited to compromise it.