The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) have entered into a partnership to expand access to MSME development programmes across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas.
The agreement was signed in Abuja by SMEDAN DG, Charles Odii, and ALGON National President, Hon. (Engr.) Bello Lawal, to strengthen grassroots enterprise support.
Under the partnership, SMEDAN and ALGON will work with local governments to identify entrepreneurs and businesses in their communities and connect them to interventions, financing, training and business support.
A major focus is the grassroots implementation of SMEDAN’s One Local Government One Product (OLOP) programme. The initiative is designed to identify businesses and products with local potential and connect them to support and markets.
Odii said the partnership would help ensure MSME interventions reach businesses beyond major commercial centres.
He said businesses driving Nigeria’s economy are found in communities, markets and neighbourhoods across the country, adding that working with ALGON would provide a stronger structure for connecting businesses with opportunities available through SMEDAN.
The SMEDAN DG said the collaboration would help the agency understand local economic strengths and needs.
According to him, OLOP provides an important platform for local governments to identify and develop products and economic activities in which their communities have competitive potential.
Lawal said local governments were well positioned to identify and mobilise entrepreneurs because of their proximity to communities. He added that ALGON would work with SMEDAN to support enterprise development initiatives across the LGAs and strengthen the link between national MSME programmes and grassroots businesses.
The partnership will cover areas including enterprise formalisation, access to finance, skills development, market access, digital adoption, business advisory services, local production and value-chain development.
It is also expected to support the mapping and identification of businesses within local government areas, helping create information for targeted interventions.
OLOP is open to stakeholders involved in local economic development, including government agencies, local authorities, community groups, businesses and entrepreneurs. Local governments can use the programme to promote economic growth by leveraging resources and products distinctive to their areas.
Entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to develop and promote local products can participate, including MSMEs involved in agribusiness.
Participants in OLOP initiatives may receive technical assistance, capacity building and market linkages aimed at developing and promoting selected local products or industries. The programme can also provide increased visibility and access to markets, creating opportunities for business growth.
How to Apply
Interested businesses, entrepreneurs and other eligible stakeholders can learn more and apply for OLOP through the SMEDAN programme page at https://smedan.gov.ng/our-programs/olop. Applicants should review the programme requirements and available opportunities before submitting their application.