SMEDAN Proposes Partnership with EFCC for Local Product Promotion

Charles Odii, the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), proposed a partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance the promotion of locally made products and support young entrepreneurs. This call was made during a visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, where Odii met with the EFCC's Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

Odii outlined SMEDAN's initiatives, including the establishment of the Inspire, Create, Start, and Scale (ICSS) Institute, which aims to provide National Diploma programs and integrate entrepreneurship training. He also discussed skills programs for inmates nearing release, aimed at equipping them with practical skills for reintegration into society.

The proposed national MSME policy, which is in preparation for presentation to the Federal Government, seeks to develop Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises over five years. Olukoyede welcomed the partnership, emphasizing the importance of providing youth with skills to combat cybercrime and promote local production.