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In a bid to eliminate barriers hindering the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, the newly-appointed Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr Charles Odii, has assumed duty with a pledge to enhance SME support.

During his inauguration at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, Odii expressed his commitment to collaborate with private and public institutions at all levels to achieve SMEDAN’s mandate. He emphasized the need to explore both local and international funding opportunities, democratize access to capital, and provide training and skills development for SMEs.

“We will ensure that entrepreneurs with valuable ideas and the right motivation, regardless of their location in the country, have equal access to financial resources. Our goal is to equip SMEs with the necessary tools for sustainable growth, enabling them to meet local demands and become global players through the export of value-added products,” Odii affirmed.

To facilitate this vision, Odii outlined his plans to establish production hubs where businesses can access affordable facilities and showcase their products to both the nation and the international community. He also proposed employing masterful storytelling techniques, as well as organizing exhibitions and fairs in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to promote SME growth.

Odii’s appointment is part of President Bola Tinubu’s recent announcement appointing 14 new Chief Executive Officers to head agencies under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

While addressing the agency staff, Odii called for their cooperation to achieve tangible results, stressing the importance of a unified team working towards a common purpose. He expressed his eagerness to collaborate and generate significant impact in the nation’s prosperity through SME development.

Speaking about his successor, Dr Olawale Fasanya, the immediate past Director-General of SMEDAN, acknowledged Odii’s extensive experience in the sector, describing it as the cornerstone of the economy. Fasanya highlighted the crucial role of micro and nano businesses in contributing to employment and the overall economy’s stability. He emphasized the need to address the unique challenges faced by these sectors and provide tailored support to drive growth.

Fasanya expressed optimism about the changes that Odii’s leadership would bring, especially in benefiting the enormous population of SMEs. With over 39.6 million people engaged in SME businesses, Fasanya called for continuous efforts to support and uplift these enterprises, as they remain resilient in the face of economic shocks.

Odii brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, having served as a global enterprise development consultant and an advocate for the advancement of entrepreneurship.