SMEDAN launches ‘Grow Nigerian’ strategy to boost jobs, MSME growth

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has unveiled a bold new strategy aimed at driving job creation and boosting revenue within Nigeria’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.

The initiative, tagged “GROW Nigerian”, was officially introduced by SMEDAN Director-General, Mr. Charles Odii, during a special engagement with the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Odii emphasized that the new framework is designed to scale the productivity of MSMEs by providing targeted support, improving market access, and unlocking funding opportunities. He highlighted that MSMEs remain the backbone of the Nigerian economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP.

“Through ‘GROW Nigerian’, we aim to empower entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to thrive,” Odii stated. “This initiative is not just about business growth; it’s about nation-building.”

The “GROW Nigerian” initiative is expected to energize Nigeria’s enterprise landscape, laying the groundwork for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.

According to Mr. Odii, the new approach is anchored on four pillars: Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce Support, forming the acronym “GROW.”

He noted that the strategy is designed to tackle persistent challenges facing small businesses across key economic sectors.

Through GROW, SMEDAN plans to offer tailored support to MSMEs, including expert guidance, mentorship, and strategic planning to help them overcome hurdles and unlock growth opportunities.

Mr. Odii explained that, under the initiative, small enterprises will gain access to vital resources such as financing, infrastructure, and technology—tools critical to boosting their productivity and ensuring long-term sustainability.

He further stated that GROW will open up new platforms for market visibility and access, enabling entrepreneurs to expand their reach and scale their operations.

Highlighting SMEDAN’s recent progress, Mr. Odii revealed that over 90,000 jobs have been generated in just the first quarter of the year, a testament to the agency’s ongoing interventions.