SMEDAN to Partner UNIDO on Sector-Specific MSME Needs

Small Medium Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has expressed plans to collaborate with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in addressing sector-specific needs of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

The Director General of SMEDAN BatureMasari, represented by Engr. Abu Ozigi, Director (Technology, Innovation & Infrastructure) made the disclosure in Lagos while inaugurating the Joint Working Group (JWG) of the Organised Private Sector (OPS).

“It is with great delight that I accept the invitation to attend this programme of sensitisation on Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB) and to inaugurate the Joint Working Group (JWG) of the OPS, which is of obvious interest to SMEDAN, considering the fact that the potential impact of this trade enhancement initiative for MSMEs cannot be over emphasised.

“While taking cognisance of the fact that Conformity Assessment Service Providers shall necessarily base their activities on international standards and guidelines and shall pay attention to national needs, be transparent, be non-discriminatory and avoid unnecessary barriers to trade; SMEDAN shall in the near future work with UNIDO to explore the possibility of promoting the establishment of CABs that will focus on the specific needs on MSMEs across sectors,” he said.

He explained that by its mandate SMEDAN was responsible for Stimulating, Monitoring and Coordinating the development of the MSMEs sub-sector in Nigeria; in addition to working in contact with other institutions in both public and private sector to create a good enabling environment for business in general, and MSME activities in particular.