The Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, has called for a legal framework to guide and regulate Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) in Nigeria to improve the quality of support available to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking at the induction of 331 certified BDSPs by SMEDAN in Abuja, the minister said regulation is key to ensuring accountability and sustainability in SME development services.
He emphasized that while support structures for MSMEs exist, many remain ineffective due to weak enforcement and oversight. Enoh proposed that BDSP licenses should be tied to performance and regularly reviewed, not given permanently.
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SMEDAN DG Charles Odii reiterated the agency’s dedication to strengthening the SME sector by ensuring only credible professionals are engaged to support small businesses.
The induction of new BDSPs is part of efforts to improve service delivery and boost inclusive growth for entrepreneurs across the country.
