The Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Oyo State, particularly within the agricultural sector. During his recent visit to the state, he assessed ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and provide SMEs with the necessary support to thrive.
Odii stressed the importance of improving access to high-quality agricultural inputs, robust extension services, and better market linkages. He noted that small-scale farmers and agribusiness owners often face significant hurdles in acquiring improved seeds, fertilizers, and other essential resources, which limits their productivity. Addressing these challenges, he emphasized, would not only boost efficiency in the sector but also contribute to the country’s broader food security goals.
One of the key issues highlighted during the visit was post-harvest losses, which remain a major concern for agricultural SMEs. Odii pointed out that the lack of proper preservation methods and storage facilities leads to substantial waste, reducing farmers’ incomes and limiting their access to larger markets. He called for strategic interventions to address these inefficiencies, ensuring that agricultural produce meets quality standards for both local consumption and export.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader economic agenda, which prioritizes food security and SME development as critical drivers of national growth. Odii reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to create economic opportunities for small businesses through targeted policies and investments that strengthen the agricultural value chain.
Acknowledging the role of both large-scale farmers and smaller household-driven initiatives, he commended efforts like First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s “Every Home A Garden” program. According to him, such grassroots initiatives encourage self-sufficiency, enhance nutrition, and contribute to national food security by promoting homegrown food production.
The visit underscores the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to advancing agricultural reforms and economic growth through SME empowerment. By fostering an enabling environment for small businesses, SMEDAN aims to enhance productivity, create jobs, and support sustainable development in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
