The federal government is set to launch a de-risking fund in May aimed at improving access to affordable financing for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria. The Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, made the announcement at the weekend during the 2025 International Women’s Day event hosted by the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) in Abuja, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Adekunle-Johnson explained that the initiative is a key part of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to combat the high lending rates, currently ranging from 28 per cent to 30 per cent, that continue to hamper the growth of MSMEs. He stated, “In the month of May, we are going to be launching two very important schemes. One is the de-risking fund for SMEs. We are encouraging state governments and our commercial banks to come together to ensure that SMEs are able to get loan facilities for less than the ridiculous 28 per cent or 30 per cent.” He clarified that the fund would serve as a risk-sharing mechanism, with state governments and commercial banks collaborating to offer loans at more affordable interest rates. While the specific rate was not disclosed, Adekunle-Johnson emphasized that the goal is to provide rates significantly lower than those currently available in the market. He also pointed out that the de-risking fund would act as a buffer for small businesses grappling with the effects of international trade challenges, such as the 14 per cent tariff imposed by the United States on certain Nigerian goods. In addition, the Federal Government revealed plans to expand its network of MSME shared facility hubs nationwide. These hubs will provide small businesses with affordable access to international-standard equipment in industries such as ICT, agriculture, and fashion. Adekunle-Johnson mentioned that 10 hubs have already been established, with plans to add another 8–10 by the end of the year, bringing the total to approximately 20. “Each hub charges as little as N1,000 daily, offers uninterrupted power, and can support up to 200 entrepreneurs a day,” he said, noting that over 120,000 MSMEs had benefited from the initiative in the past year. The hubs are privately operated but under government oversight to ensure transparency. The NAN report also highlighted that the President of NASME, Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, called for increased government support for women-owned businesses. He referenced a World Bank report stating that women make up 55 per cent of the global workforce and are vital to the development of MSMEs and national economic growth. Dr. Yerima also pointed out the significant challenges women entrepreneurs face, including limited access to finance, markets, capacity building, and effective governance. He noted that NASME is actively collaborating with development organizations and financial institutions to address these issues. Also speaking in the same vein, NASME’s National Women Coordinator, Dr. Beatrice Benjamin, urged for swift and targeted action from both the government and financial institutions. She emphasised the need for tailored support models and better infrastructure, noting that while policies are in place, implementation remains weak.