This evening, back in Abuja, I had the privilege of attending a special dinner hosted by the Tony Elumelu Foundation in honor of the visiting European Union (EU) Commissioners for Partnerships; Energy; and Humanitarian Crises. The event was a significant gathering, bringing together key stakeholders committed to fostering international collaborations that drive economic growth and development in Nigeria, particularly within the small business sector.
As a representative of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), I took the opportunity to highlight our agency’s unwavering commitment to supporting over 40 million small businesses across the country. These enterprises are the backbone of our economy, and their success is crucial to Nigeria’s broader economic objectives.
During my remarks, I emphasized SMEDAN’s strategic approach, which is rooted in creating a comprehensive small business database. This database is not just a collection of names and numbers but a dynamic tool that enables us to understand the specific needs of small businesses across various sectors and regions. By continuously updating this database, we can conduct thorough needs assessments, which allow us to tailor our support and interventions more effectively.
One of the key points I stressed was the importance of data-driven decision-making. In today’s rapidly changing economic landscape, having accurate and up-to-date information is essential for crafting policies and programs that truly address the challenges faced by small businesses. Whether it’s access to finance, training, or market opportunities, our decisions at SMEDAN are guided by data, ensuring that we are meeting the real needs of the small business community.
The dinner provided a valuable platform for dialogue with the EU Commissioners, who expressed their interest in supporting initiatives that promote sustainable economic development in Nigeria. We discussed potential areas of collaboration, particularly in the fields of energy and partnerships, which are critical to creating an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.
Overall, the evening was a reminder of the power of partnerships and the importance of aligning our efforts with global development goals. As we continue to support the growth of small businesses in Nigeria, SMEDAN remains committed to leveraging international collaborations and data-driven strategies to ensure that our entrepreneurs have the resources and support they need to succeed.
