Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has hosted the 2026 National MSME Conference and Nigeria First Fair, organised by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), as stakeholders intensify efforts to strengthen the contribution of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to Nigeria’s economic development.
The conference, held on Monday, November 9, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, was organised around the theme, “The Next Frontier for Innovation, Policy and Market Access.”
The gathering brought attention to the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, financial organisations, development partners and private sector operators to address the challenges confronting small businesses and unlock their growth potential.
The conference’s focus on innovation, policy and market access reflects the importance of creating an enabling environment where Nigerian enterprises can improve productivity, access financing, adopt modern technologies and compete more effectively in domestic and international markets.
The Nigeria First Fair component also provides an opportunity to promote locally produced goods and services, strengthen domestic enterprise development and encourage greater patronage of Nigerian businesses.
MSMEs remain a critical component of Nigeria’s economy, contributing to employment generation, household income, entrepreneurship and economic diversification.
However, limited access to affordable financing, inadequate infrastructure, high operating costs, regulatory constraints and restricted market opportunities continue to affect the ability of many businesses to expand.
The conference therefore underscores the importance of coordinated policy interventions and practical support programmes that can help businesses overcome structural constraints, improve competitiveness and create sustainable employment.
