Daniel Ogoloma Anchors National Dialogue at SMEDAN MSME Conference in Lagos

The 2025 National MSME Conference closed in Lagos after three days from 16-18 November of policy debate, enterprise showcases, and capacity building sessions that brought together more than five thousand entrepreneurs, investors, and government officials. The annual event, envisioned by SMEDAN on behalf of the Federal Government, drew support from development partners including the European […]

The 2025 National MSME Conference closed in Lagos after three days from 16-18 November of policy debate, enterprise showcases, and capacity building sessions that brought together more than five thousand entrepreneurs, investors, and government officials.

The annual event, envisioned by SMEDAN on behalf of the Federal Government, drew support from development partners including the European Union, GIZ, the Swiss Agency for Development, and several major financial institutions.

This year, the conference gained additional attention as Daniel Ogoloma, Chief Executive of Wealth Nxtion, facilitated all three days, chairing discussions and guiding exchanges between policymakers and the MSME community. His presence signalled a growing effort to amplify younger voices in national enterprise policy.

Speaking during a plenary, Ogoloma said the conference marked a turning point in how Nigeria supports its small businesses. “Talent has never been Nigeria’s problem,” he noted. “The challenge has always been access. Access to capital, to guidance, to markets. What we are seeing here is the beginning of a serious, structured pathway for entrepreneurs.”

The Director General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, said the choice of Lagos as host was deliberate.
“Lagos carries the weight of Nigeria’s enterprise economy,” he said. “If you want to hear the real heartbeat of MSMEs, you come here.”

One of the most anticipated moments was the national pitch competition, where selected founders presented their ideas for a share of a twenty million naira grant fund. Winners were also assigned mentors from various sectors to improve their chances of long term success.

Reflecting on the importance of that structure, Ogoloma reinforced the need for balance between funding and policy direction. “Capital solves problems, but policy creates the environment for businesses to thrive,” he said. “This is where government and the private sector must work hand in hand. Money without strategy is wasted effort.”

Wealth Nxtion’s involvement aligns with its digital pitch and mentorship model, which has become a reference point for micro enterprise support across Nigeria. According to organisers, this year’s conference placed stronger emphasis on policy frameworks, export readiness, and coordinated financial inclusion for MSMEs.

Closing the final session, Ogoloma urged participants to see themselves as central to the country’s economic future. “If Nigeria is going to grow, MSMEs must grow,” he said. “These founders are not small players. They are the future employers and innovators who will rewrite the story of this economy.”

The conference ended with a renewed commitment from government agencies and development partners to deepen collaboration and expand support for Nigeria’s growing MSME ecosystem.