Charles Odii, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has affirmed the Federal Government’s determination to eliminate barriers hindering the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
In a statement, Odii underscored the government’s commitment to this mandate in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope economic prosperity agenda.
Following a meeting with the president, Odii discussed SMEDAN’s ‘GROW Nigerian’ strategy, aimed at providing SMEs with essential guidance, resources, opportunities, and workforce support necessary for their success.
Quoting President Tinubu, Odii highlighted the president’s dedication to SMEDAN’s core mandates of rural industrialization, job creation, and livelihood enhancement.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of SMEs in the president’s mission to eradicate poverty and ensure widespread prosperity, Odii outlined the key components of SMEDAN’s GROW Nigerian strategy.
He explained that the strategy aims to create an enabling environment for over 40 million small businesses, collectively generating over 60 million jobs. Odii emphasized the government’s commitment to protect SMEs from inflationary pressures and empower them to drive down such trends.
Furthermore, Odii outlined plans to collaborate with sister government agencies to streamline regulations and optimize them for growth and productivity. He stressed the importance of removing obstacles that hinder the formalization and growth of SMEs.
Under the GROW Nigerian strategy, SMEs will have access to affordable financing opportunities, lucrative domestic and international markets, tailored mentorship, and support for capacity building to enhance production standards.
Expressing gratitude for President Tinubu’s support, Odii stated that the president’s assurance has revitalized his determination to passionately pursue SMEDAN’s mandate and deliver meaningful outcomes for small business owners across Nigeria.
