The Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, attended the National Business Development Service Provider’s (BDSP) Certification and Accreditation program at the Small and Medium-scale Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) head office. The event marked a major step toward strengthening the MSMEs sector through standardisation and professional development.
During his visit, the Honourable Minister toured the facility, inspecting the infrastructure designed to train entrepreneurs in woodwork, leatherwork, and garment production. He emphasised that MSMEs serve as the engine room of Nigeria’s economy and require structured support to enhance their functionality.
In his speech, Senator Enoh highlighted the importance of regulatory frameworks backing BDSPs, stressing that the quality of work delivered by licensed BDSPs is just as crucial as the number of MSMEs benefiting from their services. He noted that implementation of framework and policy direction will set a standard for Business Development Service interventions, ensuring credibility and efficiency in service delivery.
The Chairman of the National Steering Committee, Mr. Waheed Olagungu, underlined the necessity of training, certifying, and accrediting entrepreneurs to enable the private sector to perform optimally. He reiterated that a well-equipped workforce is essential for economic growth.
The Director General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii, led the oath-taking ceremony for all licensed BDSPs, who pledged to serve clients with integrity and professionalism while helping them achieve their business goals.
As part of the Enterprise Development Centre and Kaduna Business School’s strategies for efficiency, the SPONGE acronym was introduced, representing:
• Strengthening the ecosystem,
• Pairing younger consultants with seasoned professionals,
• Opportunity creation for BDSPs,
• National reach and local support,
• Governance channel enhancement,
• Empowerment for skills development.
The Honourable Minister, Senator Enoh presented certificates to the newly licensed BDSPs, urging them to extend their services beyond urban centers into interior regions where business development support is most needed. He commended the BDSPs for their technical proficiency and emphasised their responsibility in ensuring Nigerian MSMEs receive quality assistance.