In a renewed call for collective action to drive economic growth, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has urged stakeholders across sectors to align efforts in supporting the country’s vast network of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This appeal was made during a Stakeholders Engagement Forum and Press Conference for SMEs MINE FEST 2025, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry building in Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of SMEDAN, Olubunmi Kole-Dauda emphasised that the agency’s core agenda is to grow Nigeria’s economy by creating a supportive environment for over 40 million MSMEs. According to him, the strategy for this growth is anchored in the acronym “GROW”—representing Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce support.
“Our DG came into office with one burning passion: to see the Nigerian economy thrive through strategic support for small businesses,” Kole-Dauda said. “Today, we are recognizing one of the partners helping us in this mission—MINE FEST. We believe in honouring those who are committed to the vision, because recognition drives results.”
He encouraged stakeholders from the public and private sectors to identify their unique strengths and engage SMEDAN in actionable collaborations, especially as the country works to unlock the potential of the millions of MSMEs recorded in its database.
Tito Philips, the convener of MINE FEST 2025, described the upcoming event not just as a celebration of enterprise, but as a bold movement aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s innovation narrative. Slated for October 2025, the festival will feature the MINE Trade Fair, a showcase of homegrown products and services designed to put Nigerian creativity and craftsmanship in the spotlight.
“MINE FEST is about more than business,” Philips said. “It’s about driving a national conversation on how innovation, local production, and enabling policies can transform Nigeria’s economic future.”
The event will also include the MINE Conference, which will gather thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss the structural changes required for business growth. Among the highlights will be the Under 40 Nigerian CEOs Awards, which will honour 40 outstanding young entrepreneurs making significant contributions to the economy.
“These are not leaders of tomorrow,” Philips remarked. “They are building Nigeria’s future today—one enterprise at a time. That’s why it’s important that government policies begin to deliberately support local production and innovation.”
The call by SMEDAN and MINE FEST organisers is a clarion one: Nigeria’s economic future depends on an ecosystem that nurtures its entrepreneurs, empowers its workforce, and opens up sustainable opportunities for local businesses. The time to act is now, and the road to transformation begins with collective commitment and bold partnerships.
