SMEDAN creates 90,000 jobs, empowers 116,000 entrepreneurs in Q1
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has revealed that it created over 90,160 new jobs in the first quarter of 2025, driven by targeted empowerment programmes and strategic collaborations. According to its Q1 performance report made available to Daily Trust, the agency also supported more than 116,000 entrepreneurs nationwide with vital […]
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has revealed that it created over 90,160 new jobs in the first quarter of 2025, driven by targeted empowerment programmes and strategic collaborations.
According to its Q1 performance report made available to Daily Trust, the agency also supported more than 116,000 entrepreneurs nationwide with vital resources including training, access to finance and markets, and the distribution of work tools.
“The agency’s empowerment efforts were supported by a growing network of partners.
“In addition to its collaboration with members of the National Assembly, SMEDAN worked with private sector players such as Google and Wema Bank to train thousands of entrepreneurs, equipping them with digital and financial literacy skills critical for modern enterprise.
“A key highlight of SMEDAN’s work is its support for the formalisation of thousands of small businesses, helping them register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). These businesses are now better positioned to access funding, participate in supply chains, and compete in local and international markets.
“In Abuja, the agency’s Garment and Textile Hub at the Industrial Development Centre in Idu has become a model of inclusive industrial growth. The hub provides fashion entrepreneurs with affordable access to modern industrial machines, steady power solarised through a partnership with UNDP and a safe, conducive workspace. The result is increased productivity, job creation, and a pathway to scale for local designers.
“In total, the agency distributed 123,743 work tools in Q1 2025, covering all 36 states of the country,” the report explained.
Speaking on the report, Charles Odii, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN said: “This report underscores the impact of our GROW Nigerian strategy, which focuses on providing guidance, resources, opportunities and workforce support to small businesses across the country.
“We are deliberately mobilising and directing resources to help small businesses grow, expand, and transition into the formal sector where their contributions can be properly captured and supported.”