The Federal Government has announced an ambitious plan to list at least 1,000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on the Nigerian capital market.
This is in a move aimed at boosting long-term financing, stimulating economic growth, and tackling unemployment.
This development follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in Abuja.
This solidifies a strategic partnership to provide sustainable financing solutions for the nation’s over 40 million registered MSMEs.
According to both agencies, the initiative is expected to galvanise business growth, create wealth, and contribute to the Federal Government’s $1 trillion economy goal
The MoU outlines plans to enhance access to long-term funding by supporting qualified SMEs to raise funds via equity or debt securities, in line with SEC regulations.
Also, it aims to formalise the MSME sector, ensuring more small businesses meet governance and compliance standards required for market participation.
Speaking at the signing event, SEC Director-General, Dr Emomotimi Agama, emphasised that the collaboration would open new investment channels for entrepreneurs while driving inclusive growth within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
“Capital is the bedrock of any company,” Agama said. “We currently have about 40 million SMEs duly registered with SMEDAN. As a capital market, it’s crucial that we create avenues for these enterprises to raise sustainable capital, democratise wealth, and accelerate national development.”
With this partnership, the Federal Government aims to position the capital market as a key engine for SME empowerment.
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This enables small businesses to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.
