Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her recent comments on empowering small-scale traders, insisting that the federal government’s support under the Renewed Hope Agenda covers a wide range of petty businesses.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall in Jigawa State, Tinubu said beneficiaries of the intervention include traders in akara, roasted corn, kuli-kuli, tomatoes, pepper, vegetables and other market-based food items.
Her clarification followed public criticism of her earlier remarks that highlighted akara and roasted corn businesses as viable income sources amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Tinubu explained that the federal government had released N100 million to the Jigawa State government to support 2,000 petty traders, with each beneficiary expected to receive N50,000 to strengthen their businesses.
She said the initiative was designed to help small traders recapitalise and sustain their livelihoods, adding that the programme would continue despite criticism.
The First Lady also urged young Nigerians to explore opportunities in agriculture, describing it as a sector with vast potential for economic growth and job creation beyond oil.
She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting grassroots businesses and improving the welfare of low-income earners across the country.
