By Lucy Ogalue
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) says it created more than 90,160 jobs and empowered 116,661 entrepreneurs across the country in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.
Mr Charles Odii, Director-General of SMEDAN, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, noting that the figures were contained in the agency’s Q1 performance report.
Odii attributed the achievements to targeted empowerment programmes and strategic collaborations with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.
He said SMEDAN partnered with organisations such as Google, Wema Bank, and members of the National Assembly to train entrepreneurs in digital and financial literacy.
The partnerships, he said, also facilitated access to finance, markets, and essential tools for small businesses.
“SMEDAN also supported the formalisation of thousands of small businesses by assisting them with registration through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), thereby enhancing their chances of accessing funding and participating in supply chains.
“In Q1 alone, we distributed 123,743 work tools, including laptops, mini-buses, industrial sewing machines, generators, and tricycles, to entrepreneurs in all 36 states,” Odii said.
He also highlighted the success of the SMEDAN Garment and Textile Hub at the Idu Industrial Development Centre in Abuja, which he described as a model for inclusive industrial development.
“The solar-powered hub, made possible through a partnership with the UNDP, enables fashion entrepreneurs to access affordable industrial machines and stable power supply, thereby increasing productivity and job creation.”
Odii reiterated the agency’s commitment to the “GROW Nigerian” strategy, focusing on Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce support for SMEs.
“The result is more jobs, stronger businesses, and greater value unlocked within communities nationwide,” he added.
He noted that several strategic partnerships signed during the review period would begin to yield results in subsequent quarters, especially in areas like financing and value chain development.
Odii reaffirmed SMEDAN’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, stressing that the agency remained committed to supporting MSMEs as drivers of inclusive economic growth. (NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
