Enterprise development experts, policymakers, and business leaders have called for enhanced support for Nigeria's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), cautioning that the nation's pursuit of sustainable economic growth may remain elusive without deliberate efforts to strengthen the sector. The appeal was made in Abuja during the public presentation of 'From Cradle to Saddle', a memoir authored by former Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr. Olawale Fasanya.
MSMEs as the Engine of the Economy
Stakeholders at the event described MSMEs as the backbone of Nigeria's economy, emphasizing their critical role in job creation, poverty reduction, innovation, and inclusive growth. They noted that despite the resilience demonstrated by small businesses, many entrepreneurs continue to face significant hurdles, including inadequate access to finance, weak infrastructure, limited market opportunities, and policy inconsistencies. According to the experts, addressing these constraints is essential for Nigeria to unlock the full potential of its entrepreneurial population and diversify the economy away from oil revenue dependence.
Governor Radda's Remarks
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, who served as a former Director-General of SMEDAN, stated that the event provided an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of enterprise development in Nigeria and the role institutions have played in supporting small businesses. Represented by Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, Radda highlighted that the lessons in the book underscore the importance of building strong institutions capable of driving economic transformation and supporting entrepreneurs nationwide. He described Dr. Fasanya as a key figure who contributed to SMEDAN's growth and the strengthening of Nigeria's MSME ecosystem, adding that effective leadership remains critical to institutional sustainability.
Radda further noted, 'Importantly, the book also serves as a bridge between generations. One of the greatest weaknesses of many public institutions in Africa is the poor culture of documentation and knowledge transfer. Valuable experiences are often lost because they are never documented. Future leaders then repeat old mistakes instead of building on existing foundations. By putting this history together, Dr. Fasanya has rendered a valuable service not only to SMEDAN but to Nigeria as a whole. Future policymakers, development practitioners, entrepreneurs, scholars, and institution-builders will benefit immensely from the insights contained in this work.'
SMEDAN DG on Documentation
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN, Dr. Charles Odii, underscored the importance of documentation and knowledge transfer, lamenting that many valuable experiences in public service are often lost due to poor record-keeping and weak institutional memory. He said the memoir provides an important account of policy reforms, leadership experiences, and enterprise development initiatives that can serve as a reference point for future policymakers, development practitioners, and entrepreneurs.
Academic Perspective
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of America, Prof. Engr. Gamaliel Onyeka, described the author as a visionary leader and accomplished administrator whose contributions to enterprise development and public service have left an enduring impact on Nigeria's MSME sector. The Vice-Chancellor applauded Dr. Fasanya for documenting his experiences, noting that the book would serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, entrepreneurs, scholars, and future leaders seeking insights into institution-building, leadership, and economic development.
Author's Reflections
Speaking with journalists, Dr. Fasanya expressed delight at becoming the first staff member of the agency to rise through the ranks and lead the organization. He recalled that SMEDAN was established during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and has evolved from operating out of a guest house into a major institution. According to him, the book documents his key contributions to SMEDAN, including the development of the national policy on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the launch of the 'One Local Government, One Product' initiative. He noted that the publication also traces the agency's journey from its early days to its present achievements.
