NASME seeks stronger support for MSMEs, deepens partnership with FG

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

The National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) has called for stronger collaboration and increased support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to drive enterprise development and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.

NASME National President, Hon. Sir Theo Nnorom, made the call when he led members of the association’s newly constituted National Governing Council on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole.

In a statement made available to Peoples Daily, NASME National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Gadafi Asemanya Jnr., said the meeting focused on improving market access, financing, competitiveness and other opportunities required for the sustainable growth of MSMEs.

Asemanya described the engagement as an important step towards deepening public-private sector collaboration and creating an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.

According to the statement, Oduwole expressed the ministry’s commitment to supporting NASME and strengthening collaboration with the association to advance the interests of Nigeria’s MSME sector.

She identified SME empowerment, improved market access and stronger public-private partnerships among the ministry’s priorities for supporting business development.

NASME said the visit by Nnorom and members of the National Governing Council formed part of the association’s ongoing strategic engagement with critical stakeholders to unlock the economic potential of MSMEs across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The association maintained that stronger collaboration between government and the private sector would help Nigerian MSMEs expand their operations, access new markets, create jobs and contribute more effectively to national economic development.