SMEDAN Applauds Tinubu Administration, Reaffirms Commitment to Empowering Nigerian Artisans at NALSUM 2025

  By Genesis ogiri, Abuja 

Abuja, Nigeria –18 June 2025 — The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has once again reiterated its strong support for the empowerment of Nigeria’s informal sector, particularly artisans and technicians, during the Nigerian Artisans’ Leadership Summit (NALSUM) 2025 organized by the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ANAT). The summit, which took place at the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja, brought together grassroots leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders in a shared commitment to artisan development.

Delivering a keynote message on behalf of the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN, Dr. Charles Odii, was Prince Moshood Lawal, Head of Corporate Affairs, who praised the resilience of Nigerian artisans and the proactive efforts of the Association in creating platforms for collaboration and leadership development.

Speaking on behalf of SMEDAN, Prince Lawal lauded the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for placing renewed emphasis on grassroots economic empowerment and enterprise development. He noted that the Tinubu-led government’s Renewed Hope Agenda has laid a robust foundation for inclusive economic growth, especially for the informal sector which constitutes a significant portion of Nigeria’s workforce.

“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have witnessed an increased focus on practical economic reforms that target those at the grassroots — the real drivers of our economy,” Lawal stated. “At SMEDAN, we commend this people-centered approach and we are proud to align our mandate with the President’s GROW Nigeria strategy to create real opportunities for Nigerian artisans.”

He emphasized SMEDAN’s active deployment of the GROW Nigeria Strategy — a holistic approach built on Guidance, Resource, Opportunities, and Workforce Support — as a means of unlocking the potential of Nigerian artisans across all regions.

This strategy encompasses:

Guidance: Providing mentorship and business support services.

Resource: Facilitating access to materials, equipment, and operational infrastructure.

Opportunities: Linking artisans to local and global markets.

Workforce Support: Enhancing skills, training, and certification initiatives.

One of the most anticipated announcements from SMEDAN was the ongoing implementation of the Matching Fund Initiative, which provides affordable financing at single-digit interest rates to artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs. According to Prince Lawal, this initiative is designed to eliminate the common financial bottlenecks faced by informal businesses and to stimulate sustainable enterprise growth.

“Our goal is simple — to ensure that every skilled artisan in Nigeria has the opportunity to expand their business without being crippled by high-interest loans or lack of access to capital,” he said.

Further demonstrating its commitment, SMEDAN pledged to support regional training programs and skill development initiatives in collaboration with ANAT. The Agency also confirmed that it will work closely with the Association to develop a comprehensive, technology-driven database of artisans across Nigeria. This initiative aims to enhance visibility, traceability, and policy planning for the informal sector.

“We believe in data-driven governance, and this national database will serve as a bridge between policy and impact, ensuring that artisans receive the support and recognition they deserve,” Lawal added.

Prince Lawal concluded by encouraging continued collaboration between government agencies, private sector actors, and artisan associations. He reiterated SMEDAN’s readiness to serve as a dependable partner in facilitating access, recognition, and empowerment for Nigeria’s artisan community.

“Artisans are not just service providers — they are economic builders, creators of value, and pillars of national productivity. SMEDAN will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them in building a better, more inclusive economy under the Renewed Hope vision of Mr. President,” he declared.

The 2025 Nigerian Artisans’ Leadership Summit (NALSUM) served as a vital platform to amplify the voices of artisans and reinforce the importance of inclusive economic development. For SMEDAN, the summit was more than a ceremonial engagement — it was a strategic affirmation of the Agency’s unwavering resolve to uplift and integrate Nigeria’s skilled workforce into the heart of national prosperity.

Through the GROW Nigeria Strategy, expanded funding access, regional training programs, and a forthcoming national database, SMEDAN is translating policy into action and vision into reality. By applauding the reforms and dedication of the Tinubu administration, the Agency underscores its readiness to partner with like-minded institutions and associations to accelerate development at the grassroots.

As Nigeria continues its journey toward industrial renewal and economic inclusion, SMEDAN remains committed to ensuring that no artisan is left behind — because when artisans grow, the nation grows.