Ex-SMEDAN Boss Defends Leaving N1.2m PTDF Job

Dr. Olawal Fasanya, the former director-general of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), disclosed that he was deemed "mad" for voluntarily leaving a high-paying position at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), where he earned N1.2 million monthly.

During a public presentation of his autobiography in Abuja, he explained that he accepted a role at SMEDAN with a significantly lower salary of N300,000. Fasanya stated that despite the attractive remuneration and perks at PTDF, he felt uncomfortable in a role that did not allow him to contribute meaningfully.

He emphasized his commitment to the agency's mission and the development of Nigeria's small business sector. His appointment as director-general was part of a trajectory that began with a recommendation from Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda.

Fasanya's contributions to SMEDAN have positively impacted 39 million Nigerians, as noted by former chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolaf.