Creative Growth defined Nigeria’s small business landscape in 2025, and at the heart of that transformation stood Charles Odii, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria. Through focused leadership, bold partnerships, and clear direction, Odii turned SMEDAN into one of the most impactful development agencies in the country.
From the start of the year, Charles Odii made it clear that MSMEs would no longer operate on the margins of national policy. Instead, he placed them at the center of Nigeria’s economic renewal. Therefore, every major SMEDAN initiative in 2025 aligned with one goal, which focused on helping small businesses scale, compete, and survive tough economic conditions.
One of his biggest achievements involved expanding business formalisation. Odii led the partnership between SMEDAN and the Corporate Affairs Commission that delivered free business name registrations to hundreds of thousands of MSMEs. Because of this effort, many informal traders entered the formal economy for the first time. Consequently, these entrepreneurs gained access to finance, government support, and market opportunities.
In addition, Odii strengthened access to finance. He worked closely with the Bank of Industry, development finance institutions, and private lenders to channel affordable credit to small businesses. Therefore, MSMEs across manufacturing, agribusiness, fashion, technology, and services secured funding that previously felt unreachable.
Furthermore, Charles Odii prioritized capacity building. Throughout 2025, SMEDAN rolled out nationwide training programs covering bookkeeping, branding, digital marketing, and export readiness. These programs equipped entrepreneurs with modern business skills. As a result, many Nigerian MSMEs improved productivity and expanded into new markets.
Digital inclusion also stood as a major focus. Odii championed platforms that helped small businesses register, access support, and track opportunities online. This digital shift reduced bureaucracy and saved entrepreneurs valuable time. Consequently, even rural enterprises connected with national and global buyers.
Odii also promoted export development. By supporting MSME hubs, industrial clusters, and trade readiness programs, he helped Nigerian products reach international markets. Therefore, more local brands entered Africa, Europe, and the Middle East with confidence.
In 2025, he equally strengthened partnerships. SMEDAN collaborated with state governments, development partners, and private sector leaders to multiply impact. These alliances brought infrastructure, training centers, and innovation hubs closer to entrepreneurs. As a result, support no longer stayed in Abuja alone.
Women and youth entrepreneurs gained special attention. Odii launched programs that provided funding, mentorship, and training for female founders and young innovators. Because of this focus, thousands of new businesses emerged from groups that often face barriers to entry.
Another key achievement involved data driven planning. Odii introduced stronger MSME data systems to guide policy decisions. With better information, SMEDAN now targets support more accurately. Therefore, public resources deliver higher returns.
Under his leadership, SMEDAN also improved its public image. Clear communication, consistent outreach, and visible results restored confidence in the agency. Entrepreneurs now see SMEDAN as a partner, not just a regulator.
Through all these actions, Charles Odii showed that leadership means building systems that empower people. He did not chase headlines. Instead, he delivered structures that create lasting value.
By the end of 2025, Nigerian MSMEs stood stronger, more visible, and better equipped for growth. That progress reflects Odii’s steady vision and relentless drive.
Creative Growth now remains more than a slogan. Under Charles Odii, it became a living force that moved Nigeria’s small businesses toward a more prosperous future.
