The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has affirmed that the newly launched GROW initiative by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) will significantly strengthen domestic trade and accelerate the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
Speaking at the official launch of the GROW initiative — which stands for Guidance, Resources, Opportunities, and Workforce — in Abuja, the Minister described the programme as a bold and strategic intervention tailored to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. According to her, GROW directly targets key barriers facing MSMEs, including limited access to finance, skills, and market opportunities.
Dr. Oduwole noted that MSMEs are critical to Nigeria’s economic development and remain the largest contributors to job creation and innovation. She explained that the initiative provides a practical support structure to help entrepreneurs grow, scale, and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.
“The GROW initiative is timely, and it reflects our commitment to empowering Nigerian businesses,” she said. “By focusing on capacity-building, access to funding, market linkages, and workforce development, we are laying a solid foundation for inclusive economic growth.”
The Minister emphasized that the programme aligns with the economic vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which places small businesses at the centre of national development efforts. She said the government is working to create a more business-friendly environment and reduce the obstacles that often hinder enterprise growth.
According to her, GROW will not only boost productivity among MSMEs but also deepen domestic trade by connecting small businesses to new opportunities across value chains. She highlighted that improved market access, stronger technical support, and workforce readiness are vital to achieving sustained growth in the sector.
She commended SMEDAN for its leadership in rolling out the initiative and urged business owners across the country to embrace the programme and take full advantage of the support it offers. Dr. Oduwole assured that the Ministry of Trade and Investment will continue to back programmes that drive innovation, enterprise development, and job creation.
GROW is expected to impact thousands of MSMEs nationwide by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and resources required to compete effectively. The initiative also prioritizes workforce development through skills training tailored to meet evolving market demands and improve productivity across sectors.
With MSMEs accounting for a significant share of Nigeria’s employment and GDP, stakeholders believe that the GROW initiative will serve as a key driver of inclusive economic development and sustainable trade expansion. The programme is part of a broader strategy to empower entrepreneurs, close development gaps, and unlock new growth opportunities across Nigeria’s business landscape.
