Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s Vice‑President, has reiterated the government’s call for expanded support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), emphasising the sector’s central role in economic growth, employment generation and poverty reduction.
The vice‑president made the remarks on Wednesday at a national gathering of MSME stakeholders held in Abuja, where he presented the latest findings from the 2025–2026 MSME report and outlined strategic priorities for government and private sector collaboration.
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Focus on digital and agricultural value chains
During his address, Shettima stressed that the MSME sector remains a vital engine of Nigeria’s economy, particularly as the country seeks to diversify away from oil‑dependence. He highlighted the need for stakeholders to harness technology, strengthen agricultural value chains and enhance digital adoption among small businesses.
“We must ensure that Nigeria’s entrepreneurs are equipped to compete in the digital economy and integrate technology into their business models,” the vice‑president said. He noted that many young Nigerians have embraced digital tools and platforms, creating innovative products and services that span e‑commerce, fintech and creative industries.
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Collaboration across sectors
Shettima urged financial institutions, development partners and government agencies to deepen collaboration in supporting MSMEs. He said that broader engagement is required to improve financing access, reduce operational constraints, and expand market linkages that can help small firms to scale and sustain growth.
Officials from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and other stakeholder groups in attendance reaffirmed their commitment to aligning support programmes with emerging SME needs. Discussions centred on improving credit access, enhancing technical training and strengthening regulatory frameworks to support business formalisation.
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Private sector reaction
Industry leaders at the event said the vice‑president’s call reflects recognition of the challenges facing small enterprises and the need for a coordinated response. A representative of a Lagos business association said that MSMEs often encounter barriers such as high production costs, limited access to finance and infrastructural deficits, and that stronger partnerships can help address these issues.
Another participant said that increased support for digital skills training and market access programmes would help MSME owners to compete more effectively in both local and international markets.
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Forward agenda
The MSME report presented at the event highlighted key areas for policy action, including improved access to finance, enhanced business development services, and expanded support for women‑owned enterprises and youth‑led startups.
Shettima concluded by calling on all stakeholders to commit to a shared agenda that supports Nigeria’s SME sector and maximises its contribution to national development and economic resilience.
