The Director-General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, has said the agency is targeting to create more jobs in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sector through its “GROW Nigerian” strategy.
According to Odii, SMEDAN is adopting the strategy of GROW, which is an acronym for Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce Support to assist SMEs overcome common obstacles and experience growth in various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Through the strategy SMEDAN would provide small businesses with expert advice, mentorship, and strategic direction to navigate challenges and maximise growth potentials; equip them with essential tools, funding, technology and infrastructure necessary for operational efficiency and sustainability.
The GROW strategy would enable SMEDAN to create platforms and market access opportunities for small businesses to showcase their products and services, as well as expand their reach.
The agency would also be offering training and skill development programmes and resources to empower entrepreneurs and their teams, fostering productivity and innovation within small businesses.
Charles Odii stated thus:
“GROW Nigerian is SMEDAN’s strategic blueprint outlining plans to accelerate economic growth by providing vital resources to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
“It proposes our theory of change, which holds that by providing adequate Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce Support (GROW), SMEs can overcome common obstacles and experience growth.”
The agency has achieved so much in repositioning the MSMEs sector. Within the first three months of 2025, over 90,000 jobs have been created through the implementation of various initiatives”.