The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to enhance support for micro businesses. The partnership was formalised during a ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, which also saw the launch of a solar-powered garment-making centre aimed at reducing operational costs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The new facility, equipped with modern garment-making equipment, will provide SMEs with free access to machines, eliminating the financial burden of purchasing and maintaining equipment. It is powered by 254 locally made solar panels, generating 240 kiloVoltAmpere (kVA), ensuring an uninterrupted and sustainable energy supply for the businesses.
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Charles Odii, the Director-General of SMEDAN, highlighted that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are facing increasing economic pressures due to rising costs. He noted that the initiative aims to alleviate these challenges by providing SMEs with an affordable space to operate and expand, adding that the centre is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial and employment sectors.
The initiative, which has already been launched in Katsina and Osun States, is set to be replicated across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Additionally, SMEDAN has partnered with NIPOST and God Is Good Logistics to offer SMEs discounted distribution rates, facilitating the delivery of finished products across the country.
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