The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has called for deeper collaboration with stakeholders as part of a strategic push to bolster Nigeria’s economy through support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The call was made at a Stakeholders Engagement Forum and Press Conference held on Wednesday at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alausa, Ikeja, ahead of the upcoming MINE FEST 2025.
Olubunmi Kole-Dauda, who represented the Director-General of SMEDAN, emphasized the agency’s renewed focus on economic growth through its GROW strategy — Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce support. “When our DG assumed office, his priority was clear — grow the Nigerian economy. With the GROW strategy, we are empowering those aligned with our vision. Today, we’re spotlighting MINE FEST as a key partner in delivering that vision,” Kole-Dauda said.
He also encouraged stakeholders to identify their areas of strength and engage with SMEDAN to create meaningful impact among the over 40 million Nigerian MSMEs listed in the agency’s database.
Philips urged policymakers to create deliberate and supportive frameworks that encourage local manufacturing and enterprise development. “We are not just celebrating innovation — we are pushing for policies that ensure it thrives,” he noted.
The forum sets the tone for a proactive engagement between government, private sector, and civil society ahead of what promises to be a pivotal event in Nigeria’s MSME landscape
