Stanbic IBTC Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria by collaborating with state governments and key institutions to create a more enabling environment for businesses.
The bank made the pledge during its Nigeria Business Summit Regional Tour in Aba, organised in partnership with the Abia State Government. The event featured business enlightenment sessions, funding masterclasses, enterprise advisory services and capacity-building programmes aimed at empowering entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the summit, Abia State Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Michael Enyinnaya Akpara, said the state government remains committed to developing one of Nigeria’s most competitive business ecosystems through targeted reforms and strategic initiatives.
According to him, the state is finalising a comprehensive MSME Policy to provide a clear roadmap for enterprise development while also creating a statewide MSME Directory to improve business visibility and attract investment opportunities.
Akpara also announced plans for the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Project (Abia Expo 2026), an initiative designed to promote locally manufactured products, showcase Nigerian innovation and position Abia as a leading hub for quality local production.
He noted that the state is deliberately building an environment where businesses can start, expand and compete in both local and international markets, adding that partnerships with private sector organisations such as Stanbic IBTC are essential to achieving that vision.
Commenting on the bank’s support for Nigerian businesses, the Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Chuma Nwokocha, said sustainable business growth depends on access to finance, market intelligence and opportunities that connect enterprises to wider markets.
He stated that Stanbic IBTC will continue to help MSMEs grow through value chain financing, structured lending and advisory services that enable promising businesses to become sustainable enterprises. He added that the bank remains committed to investing in sectors expected to drive Nigeria’s economic growth in the coming years.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Remy Osuagwu, said the bank is adopting a more deliberate nationwide strategy to bring practical business support closer to entrepreneurs and businesses across the country.
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