Small business owners and artisans who participated in the 8th National MSME Clinic in Calabar are expressing disappointment and frustration over the Federal Government’s alleged failure to disburse N250,000 grants promised to them. The grants were announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima during his visit to Cross River State on August 12, 2025, as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the Vice President’s directive, the grants were to be disbursed immediately to selected exhibitors. However, weeks after the event, many participants claim they have not received the grants, while only a few have been credited. Some exhibitors alleged that they were misled into believing that all participants would benefit from the grants, prompting them to incur significant expenses in preparation for the event.
Lawrence Akomaye, a shoemaker and owner of Akumaye’s Global Conglomerate, stated that organizers instructed participants to undergo training, rebrand their products, and invest in packaging for the exhibition. Akomaye claimed that he borrowed money to purchase labels, stickers, and packaging, and was told to make his booth attractive. However, on the day of the event, the Vice President only visited one side of the hall, and Akomaye has yet to receive the grant.
Another exhibitor, Mrs. Kuku Oden, a fresh juice producer, spent over N150,000 on transportation, production, and packaging but has not received a refund or grant. She expressed confusion and disappointment, stating that some participants received alerts after the event, while others did not. Oden also criticized the poor organization of the event, which left many exhibitors isolated in separate halls with limited visibility.
The lack of communication and transparency has added to the frustration of the exhibitors. The WhatsApp group created for participants was locked by administrators, preventing them from sharing complaints or receiving updates. Rosemary Kekong, an exhibitor, expressed her dismay, stating that the organizers treated them like they did not matter. Despite incurring expenses and showcasing their products, many exhibitors have not received the promised grants.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by small business owners and artisans in Nigeria, who often rely on government support to grow their businesses. The Federal Government’s alleged failure to disburse the grants has raised questions about the effectiveness of its initiatives aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises. As the exhibitors await clarification and resolution, the incident has sparked concerns about the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to the business community.