The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has mobilised over N11 billion in financing support and facilitated the creation of more than 100,000 jobs in the past two years, according to its Director-General, Charles Odii.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Odii said the agency’s interventions are part of the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflect a deliberate strategy to support small businesses with finance, tools, training, and formalisation support.
“In just two years under President Tinubu, we have made real, measurable progress,” Odii said. “We’ve mobilised over N11 billion to make financing more affordable and helped create more than 100,000 new jobs across the country.”
New momentum for small businesses
SMEDAN’s efforts have included restoring operations at key Industrial Development Centres (IDCs) in Abuja, Osun, and Katsina, where small businesses now enjoy access to modern equipment, stable power, and enterprise development services.
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The agency has also partnered with the National Assembly to empower thousands of entrepreneurs with tools and machinery across sectors.
As part of its “Grow Nigerian” strategy—focusing on Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce support—SMEDAN is pushing to boost productivity, formalisation, and access to markets.
Digital and regulatory partnerships driving inclusion
Odii noted that SMEDAN is working closely with key regulatory bodies including the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), NAFDAC, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to make business registration and compliance easier for MSMEs.
The agency is also partnering with international organisations such as UNDP, GIZ, and Google to strengthen the digital and technical skills of Nigerian entrepreneurs and help them reach wider markets.
One flagship initiative is the SMEDAN Garment and Textile Hub at the Idu Industrial Development Centre in Abuja. The solar-powered facility provides fashion entrepreneurs with access to industrial sewing equipment, reliable power, and business support, significantly increasing productivity and employment opportunities.
Youth-focused entrepreneurship push
Odii said the agency is working with institutions like the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to help young Nigerians convert business ideas into scalable ventures.
“This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda looks like in action,” he said. “Real support, real results, and a growing ecosystem where Nigerian businesses can thrive.”
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