Yesterday, I was pleased to receive strong assurances from His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, regarding a meaningful partnership to accelerate the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state. This collaboration marks a pivotal step forward in our mission at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to support the economic prosperity of local entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Governor Umo Eno, known for his passion for economic development and empowerment, has demonstrated a keen interest in supporting our objectives through a series of strategic interventions. These interventions are designed to strengthen our operational capabilities while providing essential resources to SMEs across Akwa Ibom. By partnering with the state government, we aim to create a more enabling environment where small businesses can thrive, innovate, and contribute to the state’s overall economic growth.

One of the key focus areas of this collaboration is the provision of affordable finance to SMEs. Access to affordable credit remains one of the most significant challenges facing small businesses in Nigeria, and Akwa Ibom is no exception. Through this partnership, we aim to facilitate access to low-interest loans and grants that will help SMEs overcome financial constraints and invest in the growth of their enterprises. This financial support will be critical in helping businesses scale their operations, invest in new technologies, and create job opportunities.

Additionally, workforce support is another vital component of our partnership. As SMEs continue to grow, the need for skilled labor becomes increasingly important. Governor Eno’s administration has committed to providing workforce development programs that will equip local entrepreneurs and their staff with the skills necessary to improve productivity, drive innovation, and maintain competitive advantages in both domestic and international markets.

Furthermore, the partnership will focus on providing access to modern tools and equipment needed to enhance the quality of production for SMEs. By leveraging the state’s resources, we plan to establish shared facilities and technology hubs where small businesses can access advanced machinery and equipment at reduced costs. This will enable them to improve production efficiency, meet higher quality standards, and ultimately expand their market reach.

I eagerly look forward to sharing more details about this exciting partnership with the public soon. Together with Governor Umo Eno, we are committed to fostering a thriving SME sector in Akwa Ibom State, which will spread prosperity across the region.