The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to boost trade, encourage local production, and simplify cross-border transactions.
This was revealed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during a meeting with SMEDAN’s Director-General, Mr. Charles Oidi, and his team at the NCS headquarters in Abuja.
Adeniyi explained that a dedicated SMEDAN team would be stationed at the NCS office to offer specialized support and streamline processes for small business owners involved in cross-border trade.
“The population of SMEs cannot be ignored. Supporting them strengthens the nation’s economy,” Adeniyi said, acknowledging the critical role SMEs play in job creation and the informal economy.
According to the SMEDAN National Survey, Nigeria relies on 41 million micro-businesses and 73,000 small and medium enterprises, despite the challenges they face.
In response, Oidi emphasized the importance of assisting SMEs, praising the NCS for their dedication to SME development.
He pledged to continue fostering collaboration between government agencies and the SME sector, stating, “SMEDAN remains committed to identifying challenges, developing inclusive solutions, and implementing strategies to support the growth of SMEs in Nigeria.”
