From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has unveiled its “GROW Nigerian” strategy aimed at creating more jobs and boosting revenue for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
The Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii, disclosed this during an interactive session with members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) on Monday in Abuja.
Odii explained that the GROW Nigerian initiative—an acronym for Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce Support—is a strategic blueprint designed to help MSMEs overcome common challenges and achieve sustainable growth across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Through the GROW strategy, he said SMEDAN will offer small businesses expert guidance, mentorship, and strategic direction, helping them navigate obstacles and maximize their potential. The agency will also provide access to essential tools, funding, technology, and infrastructure to enhance their efficiency and resilience.
“GROW Nigerian is our blueprint for accelerating economic growth by delivering vital support to MSMEs,” Odii stated. “It embodies our theory of change, which is that by providing adequate Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce support, MSMEs can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
Odii added that the agency will create platforms for small businesses to showcase their products and services, thereby increasing their visibility and market access. He also emphasized the importance of skills development, revealing that SMEDAN will be rolling out training programs to build the capacity of entrepreneurs and their teams.
Highlighting recent achievements, Odii noted that over 90,000 jobs were created within the first quarter of 2025 through various SMEDAN initiatives. He said the agency will now focus its efforts on eight critical sectors of the economy: agriculture value chains, fashion and textiles, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing and production, education, the digital economy, innovation, and new technology adoption.
He expressed optimism that the GROW Nigerian strategy would address persistent challenges plaguing MSMEs, including limited access to capital, high operating costs, regulatory burdens like multiple taxation and excessive registration fees, and a shortage of skilled labor.
Other major issues identified include inadequate infrastructure—especially in rural areas—poor market access, and limited exposure to cutting-edge technology and innovation.
“If SMEDAN, in collaboration with key stakeholders, empowers entrepreneurs with the right mix of knowledge, capital, team support, market access, and ecosystem development, we will not only accelerate business growth but also build sustainable enterprises that create jobs, improve livelihoods, and deliver real value to the nation,” Odii concluded.