The Director General of the Small Medium Enterprises Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, Charles Odii, is urging small businesses to tap into the power of social media for growth and expansion. In a recent meeting with a delegation from the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Odii emphasized the importance of digital skills in transforming Nigeria’s vast number of small businesses into job creators.
With over 40 million small businesses in Nigeria, Odii believes that the key to solving the country’s unemployment crisis lies in empowering these SMEs to become employers of labor. By equipping each small business with digital skills, Odii envisions a scenario where one small business can create jobs for up to five people, opening up a world of opportunities for economic growth.
Odii stressed the importance of small businesses embracing social media platforms for marketing, sales, and revenue generation. He emphasized the need for formalizing small businesses to better understand their needs and provide tailored solutions to help them thrive.
Using the example of Aba, a city known for its manufacturing prowess, Odii highlighted the potential for government interventions to support small businesses in leveraging technology to increase production and reduce operating costs. By profiling small businesses in need of digital services, Odii believes that targeted interventions can drive growth and innovation in key sectors.
In conclusion, Odii’s message is clear: small businesses in Nigeria must embrace digital platforms and technology to unlock their full potential. By leveraging social media for business expansion and sales, SMEs can not only survive but thrive in today’s competitive market landscape. With the right support and resources, Nigeria’s small businesses have the power to drive economic growth and create sustainable employment opportunities for millions of people.
