The Director-General (DG) of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting industries and strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing sector during his visit to Falcon Chemicals.
This engagement highlights ongoing efforts to boost productivity, innovation, and economic growth.
Visit to Falcon Chemicals is Strategic – SMEDAN DG
During a working visit to Falcon Chemicals Limited in Ogun State, the SMEDAN DG conducted a fact-finding tour of the facility to assess its operations and growth potential.
The visit forms part of a broader initiative to:
- Deepen engagement with local industries
- Identify challenges facing manufacturers
- Support expansion and productivity improvements
Officials described the engagement as critical to aligning government support with industry needs.
Federal Government’s Commitment to Industrial Growth
Speaking during the visit, Odii emphasised that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken deliberate steps to create an enabling environment for businesses.
He highlighted:
- Ongoing infrastructure development such as roads and ports
- Financial support programmes for MSMEs
- Policies aimed at improving ease of doing business
According to him, these interventions are designed to drive industrialisation and economic expansion.
Over ₦200 Billion Support for MSMEs
The SMEDAN DG disclosed that over ₦200 billion has been released in recent years to support nano, small, and medium-scale enterprises across Nigeria.
These funds are being deployed through:
- Grants and financial assistance
- Capacity-building programmes
- Enterprise development initiatives
However, Odii expressed concern over low participation by businesses, attributing it to limited trust in government programmes.
Call for Increased Participation by Entrepreneurs
Odii urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of available opportunities, noting that many businesses fail to apply for support despite eligibility.
He explained that:
- Registration with SMEDAN is key to accessing benefits
- Awareness and trust must be improved
- Beneficiaries should share success stories to encourage others
The agency continues to promote transparency by publishing beneficiary details when necessary.
Falcon Chemicals and SMEDAN: Industry Perspective
Responding to the visit, the management of Falcon Chemicals expressed appreciation for the engagement, describing it as encouraging for the company’s growth plans.
The company noted that:
- It currently imports about 70% of its raw materials
- Only a fraction of its production capacity has been utilised
- Plans are underway to expand operations and explore export opportunities
This highlights both the challenges and opportunities within Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
Strengthening Security and Business Environment
The SMEDAN DG also addressed concerns around security, noting that the agency is working to strengthen collaboration between businesses and security agencies.
This effort aims to:
- Improve safety for industrial operations
- Enhance investor confidence
- Support sustainable business growth
Visit by SMEDAN DG to Falcon Chemicals Part of Economic Agenda
The visit aligns with broader national goals of economic diversification, industrialisation, and private sector development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
SMEDAN continues to play a key role in:
- Empowering entrepreneurs
- Facilitating access to finance
- Promoting innovation and enterprise growth
Conclusion
As the DG and leadership of SMEDAN visits Falcon Chemicals, it underscores a renewed push to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base through collaboration, funding, and policy support.
With increased participation from entrepreneurs and sustained government backing, the initiative is expected to drive productivity, job creation, and long-term economic growth.
