Charles Odii, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to providing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with opportunities to access lucrative markets both locally and internationally.
During a visit to President Bola Tinubu in Abuja to discuss the ‘Grow Nigeria’ strategy, Odii emphasized the government’s commitment to offering essential guidance, resources, opportunities, and a conducive environment for SMEs to thrive. He expressed SMEDAN’s readiness to collaborate with other government agencies to streamline regulations and optimize them for growth and productivity.
Odii outlined the key components of the strategy, including affordable financing opportunities, access to domestic and international markets, tailored mentorship, and capacity building for improved production standards. He also highlighted SMEDAN’s core mandate of rural industrialization, job creation, and livelihood during the meeting with the President.
Highlighting the importance of SMEs in the government’s mission to eradicate poverty and ensure prosperity for Nigerians, Odii affirmed SMEDAN’s commitment to championing the President’s Renewed Hope Economic Prosperity Agenda. He underscored the agency’s readiness to address obstacles hindering SMEs’ growth and contribute to creating an enabling environment for over 40 million small businesses, collectively providing over 60 million jobs.
Odii expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s assurance, stating that it has reinvigorated his determination to passionately pursue SMEDAN’s mandate and deliver meaningful outcomes for small business owners nationwide.
