The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has thrown her weight behind the GROW initiative, describing it as a powerful step toward revitalising domestic trade and accelerating the growth of small businesses across Nigeria. Speaking in Abuja during an official tour of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria’s (SMEDAN) Common Facility Centres, she commended the agency’s focus on sustainable enterprise and productivity. The minister inspected facilities supporting garment production, furniture making, recycling, and food packaging.
She said the Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce (GROW) initiative will empower micro, small, and medium enterprises to scale up operations and compete locally and globally. According to her, the programme offers a lifeline to entrepreneurs and artisans across the value chain. She stressed that MSMEs remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and that government support must go beyond promises. Oduwole noted that real support lies in infrastructure, training, and policies that enable small businesses to thrive.
She observed that the GROW initiative offers more than just tools or machines. It brings structure, access, and visibility to grassroots businesses. By equipping entrepreneurs with modern production tools and shared working spaces, SMEDAN is helping reduce overhead costs and improve output quality. She said this initiative will create more competitive and export-ready enterprises that meet market standards.
Oduwole urged all stakeholders in the trade and investment ecosystem to align with SMEDAN’s vision. She added that ministries, banks, and private sector players must collaborate to sustain this momentum. She pointed out that Nigeria’s economic recovery and job creation targets hinge on unlocking the full potential of MSMEs. According to her, no serious nation overlooks its small business base. She said entrepreneurs drive innovation, absorb labour, and support rural livelihoods.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the level of planning and execution she witnessed at the centres. She noted that each facility represents a smart investment in people and production. She explained that the Garment Hub alone can train hundreds of tailors, boost local fashion output, and reduce textile imports. The Food Packaging unit, she said, will help farmers and food processors improve product shelf life and enter modern retail spaces.
She challenged SMEDAN to ensure sustainability through community ownership and performance monitoring. She called for continuous training, mentoring, and expansion to other regions. She said replication of the model in more states will guarantee equitable development and widen the impact.
Dr. Oduwole reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to removing barriers to business. She said the ministry will continue to provide the right policy environment for MSMEs to access finance, markets, and regulatory support. She urged youth, women, and rural entrepreneurs to take advantage of the GROW initiative and build resilient businesses.
She concluded that Nigeria’s future lies in the hands of its entrepreneurs. With support from programmes like GROW, she said the country can build inclusive prosperity and industrial growth from the ground up.
