Charles Odii, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), is taking bold steps to strengthen Nigeria’s economy by supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). His leadership is transforming small businesses into strong economic drivers that generate jobs and boost national revenue. At a recent event in Abuja, Odii explained how the agency plans to equip Nigerian entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive.
Under Odii’s guidance, SMEDAN focuses on creating sustainable jobs and expanding the country’s revenue base. The agency’s latest strategies enhance capacity development, improve access to financing, and encourage innovation among MSMEs. Odii believes that empowering entrepreneurs plays a key role in reducing poverty and unemployment in Nigeria, and his approach continues to reflect that belief.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, Odii revealed that SMEDAN will launch a series of training programs. These programs will cover business management, digital skills, and product development. He added that the agency will pay special attention to young entrepreneurs and women-led businesses. The goal is to ensure that more Nigerians gain the skills needed to build competitive and resilient enterprises.
Charles Odii and SMEDAN’s job creation efforts align with the current administration’s economic recovery agenda. According to Odii, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government clearly supports MSME development. SMEDAN is therefore working closely with state and local governments, financial institutions, and private-sector partners to roll out impactful projects across the country.
One of the agency’s top priorities is to improve access to finance. Many small business owners struggle to secure funds. To address this, Odii announced that SMEDAN is collaborating with financial bodies to provide accessible and affordable loans. These financial interventions aim to ease the burden on struggling entrepreneurs and enable them to scale their businesses.
In addition to finance and training, the agency plans to promote locally made products. Odii said that helping MSMEs meet global standards will open doors to new markets for Nigerian businesses. He also stressed the importance of data and added that SMEDAN is developing a robust system to track MSMEs’ performance. This system will help the agency provide tailored support based on real-time needs and challenges.
Charles Odii and SMEDAN back their job creation strategies with actionable plans and partnerships. The agency has already launched pilot projects in some states and sees promising results. These early successes strengthen confidence in SMEDAN’s ability to drive real change in the MSME sector.
Many stakeholders commend Odii’s fresh energy and commitment. They see his leadership as a turning point for SMEDAN and for MSME development in Nigeria. By focusing on practical solutions and collaborative engagement, Odii helps redefine the government’s role in enterprise support.
If sustained, these efforts could unlock new opportunities for millions of Nigerians. MSMEs make up over 90 percent of businesses in Nigeria, and their growth remains vital to national progress. With Charles Odii at the helm, SMEDAN is not just creating jobs. It is building a foundation for inclusive economic development, innovation, and long-term prosperity.
About The Author
