SMEDAN Joins Forces with the National Assembly to Empower a Million Small Businesses

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has unveiled a strategic partnership with the National Assembly to register, formalize, and provide funding opportunities for one million small businesses across Nigeria.

This collaboration was announced by Charles Odii, the Director-General of SMEDAN, during a meeting in Abuja that brought together young members of the National Assembly and aspiring entrepreneurs. The discussions at this gathering centered on critical subjects such as facilitating access to funding, overcoming regulatory obstacles, and the imperative for increased support and resources.

Odii underscored that the initiative to financially support one million businesses is a fundamental component of SMEDAN’s mission to foster economic prosperity by nurturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He acknowledged that a primary challenge in this endeavor is the lack of formal structures within many SMEs. He expressed the agency’s unwavering commitment to partnering with the National Assembly to address this issue and ensure that SMEs gain access to opportunities for growth.

The event witnessed the presence of notable figures, including Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of State for Youth, and several National Assembly members representing various constituencies. Odii emphasized the dual role played by lawmakers, as they serve as both credible representatives of Nigerians at the grassroots level and as legislators, contributing significantly to the nation’s mission of small business development.

Odii reassured the audience that SMEDAN will collaborate closely with lawmakers to identify, train, and prepare small businesses in their respective constituencies for funding. He also highlighted the willingness of numerous local and international organizations to offer financial support to SMEs.

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