Charles Odii, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), has led the agency to secure N11 billion in funding for Nigerian SMEs. Under his leadership, SMEDAN has also facilitated the creation of over 100,000 jobs within two years, a milestone that reflects a strong push to support entrepreneurship and economic growth.
At the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Odii highlighted that these achievements are part of ongoing efforts to position small and medium-sized businesses as engines of inclusive development. He noted that SMEDAN is focused on removing barriers that limit business growth and is working with private sector partners to widen access to finance.
This success has boosted confidence among stakeholders. Local entrepreneurs and industry leaders have praised SMEDAN for making a real impact. Odii said that when small businesses have the right support, they can thrive and contribute to the national economy.
He also revealed that SMEDAN has partnered with financial institutions to offer single-digit interest loans to eligible SMEs. These loans help startups and small ventures gain stability and expand their operations. Business owners in agriculture, fashion, tech, and services have already benefited.
The SME funding efforts of Charles Odii are not limited to finance. He has pushed for stronger business education and digital skills training. SMEDAN now runs programs that train entrepreneurs in bookkeeping, branding, marketing, and e-commerce. These initiatives are preparing businesses to compete in both local and global markets.
Odii stressed that Nigeria’s youth population is a strength. He said SMEDAN is targeting young entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises, and that inclusive support is essential for sustainable development. He added that job creation should be intentional, and that the agency’s work reflects this principle.
The N11 billion funding has supported innovation hubs, cooperatives, and market expansion projects. In rural communities, SMEDAN’s reach is growing, and many businesses have been formalized. This formalization increases their chances of accessing credit, insurance, and government contracts.
At the same event, stakeholders praised Odii for his bold and transparent leadership. They noted that SMEDAN’s renewed energy has opened doors for business owners who previously struggled to find support. Representatives from the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises applauded the partnerships and training efforts.
Odii explained that SMEDAN’s next phase will focus on sustainability and digital transformation. The agency is launching a national database of SMEs and introducing online tools for registration, compliance, and learning. These steps will reduce red tape and speed up services.
As SMEDAN continues its mission, Odii remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening the SME ecosystem. He believes that Nigeria’s prosperity depends on small businesses and the people who run them.
Through his leadership, Charles Odii is showing how innovation, access, and collaboration can transform livelihoods. And in just two years, his results speak clearly.
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