The Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA) is set to embark on a comprehensive census of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state, an initiative of Governor Bassey Otu. This ambitious project, aimed at strengthening the state’s economic backbone, will be executed in close collaboration with the State Bureau of Statistics (SBS) led by Dr. Ogar Josephat,
MEDA’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Great Ogban, recently led a delegation to meet with the Statistician-General and CEO of the SBS, Dr. Ogar Josephat, to formalize this crucial partnership. Ogban highlighted the central role this census plays in MEDA’s mission to bolster MSMEs throughout Cross River State.
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This extensive project will be a collaborative effort, involving key partners such as the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the State Bureau of Statistics, the Calabar Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (CALCCIMA), Nugitech, and local government Chairmen. Ogban also confirmed that the biometric system, powered by Nugitech, is fully ready for deployment, ensuring accurate data capture.
Dr. Josephat, in welcoming the MEDA delegation, emphasized the indispensable nature of precise data for effective development. He stressed that robust data forms the bedrock of any well-structured development plan. He assured MEDA of the Bureau’s full support for a seamless data collection process, noting the recent training of over 20 data collation officers to ensure the exercise’s accuracy and efficiency.
This MSME census is a core component of MEDA’s wider development strategy. Its primary objectives are to accurately count the number of small businesses operating within Cross River State and to thoroughly analyze their distribution across various key metrics. This includes factors like gender, business category, access to finance, and other crucial aspects of business data. The insights gleaned from this exercise will be instrumental in formulating targeted policies and programs designed to foster the growth and long-term sustainability of MSMEs in the state.
With Governor Bassey Otu’s strong commitment to understanding every MSME in Cross River State, this data collation exercise is anticipated to be the most successful of its kind in the state’s history.
