In a significant move to bolster the prominence of Made-in-Nigeria products, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) has introduced the ‘SELECT’ documents.
These documents serve as comprehensive profiles showcasing a myriad of Made-in-Nigeria products, facilitating seamless accessibility for potential investors. SMEDAN’s robust support aims not only to spotlight these products but also to amplify their market reach.
The unveiling ceremony, held in Kano State, North-West Nigeria, saw Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf emphasise the role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria’s economic landscape. He lauded their role in fostering innovation, job creation, and overall economic prosperity.
Representing the Governor, Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Abbas Sani, articulated the state government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing SMEs, citing initiatives spanning capacity building, financial access, and market integration. He underscored the imperative of empowering SMEs to unlock their full potential, thereby fostering wealth creation and poverty alleviation.
Echoing these sentiments, Mansir Manu Soro, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on SMEs, pledged legislative support to ensure robust funding avenues for SMEs nationwide. He commended SMEDAN for pioneering digital initiatives aimed at propelling the growth trajectory of small businesses across the country.
Highlighting the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria’s economy, SMEDAN’s Director General, Mr. Charles Odii, emphasised their substantial contribution to employment generation. He cited the latest National MSMEs Survey, revealing that MSMEs account for a significant portion of enterprises and employment opportunities in the country.
Mr. Odii explained that, in a bid to further bolster the MSME sector, SMEDAN introduced the SELECT programme, aimed at elevating the status of Made-in-Nigeria products across various sectors. This initiative, encompassing approximately 300 carefully curated products in industries such as food, fashion, beauty, and agro/agro-allied sectors, is set to redefine the narrative surrounding Nigerian products.
Mr. Odii outlined the strategic dissemination plan, which includes distributing hardcopy catalogues to embassies, government agencies, and department stores nationwide, aimed at bolstering patronage of Nigerian products. The programme places particular emphasis on Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), leveraging the agency’s One Local Government, One Product (OLOP) initiative to enhance their technical and business management capabilities.
Furthermore, SMEDAN’s OLOP programme, operational across one hundred and nine senatorial districts, aims to empower MSEs and foster community-based economic development.
The ceremony also witnessed the active participation of stakeholders such as NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, all pledging unwavering support for small businesses in Nigeria.
