The Federal Government has expressed its determination to deepen its economic ties with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with a view to harmonise data systems in order to support reforms, attract investment, and create opportunities for the country’s youth.
The Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, gave this indication in Abuja when a delegation from OECD led by Carlos Conde, Head of the Middle East and Africa Division, paid him a courtesy visit to strengthen economic cooperation and explore strategic partnerships.
Discussions focused on Nigeria’s economic priorities, including capital market development, regional integration, curbing illicit financial flows, sustainable finance, and investment in human capital.
The OECD highlighted its growing engagement in Africa through collaboration with the African Union, regional blocs, and direct country-level support.
Nigeria was identified as a key partner in West Africa while it also outlined its range of engagements, which include technical support in areas such as digitalisation, governance, and statistics.
Mr Edun welcomed the collaboration and re-emphasized the need for harmonised data systems to support reforms, attract investment, and create opportunities for the country’s youth.
Our Correspondent reports that the collaboration between Nigeria and the OECD is expected to drive economic reforms, attract investment opportunities, and contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable development.
“Through this partnership, Nigeria aims to improve its business environment, increase access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, and enhance its competitiveness in the global economy”.
By working together, Nigeria and the OECD can unlock new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction, ultimately improving the lives of Nigerian citizens.
Meanwhile, in another development Ogun State Government in partnership with GetFundedAfrica (GFA) Technologies are planning to train and empower no fewer than one million entrepreneurs on how to start and expand their businesses through the Gateway Skills Programme.
Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, made this known during the MSMEs Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting for the first Quarter of 2025 themed: “Transforming the Business Landscape: Empowering MSMEs for Economic Prosperity”, at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta and virtually via the Zoom network.
Sofela said the Gateway Skills Programme which was a free digital transformation initiative designed to equip Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), students, youths, women and entrepreneurs with essential digital skills, tools, and networks would also provide expanded market access to beneficiaries.
“This programme aligns with the Ogun State Government’s economic development objectives and aims to train and empower over 1,000,000 participants, enhancing business growth, market expansion, and economic resilience while improving access to finance,” he said.
Speaking on the different policies and programmes of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration initiated to create enabling environment for businesses to thrive, he revealed that the Governor has approved the commencement of the Small-scale Industries Land Acquisition Scheme (SILAS) at the SME Industrial Park, Ijebu-Isiwo for entrepreneurs to do business in an environment with relevant infrastructure.
He stated that the present administration was also working on the first phase of the “Ogun Light Up” project, a 30 Megawatts project at Onijanganjangan, Abeokuta which would boost businesses operating in the State, adding that the State Government was also collaborating with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to constitute the MSME Council in the State.
In his address, Co-Founder, GetFundedAfrica (GFA) Technologies, Mr. Emmanuel Oke, said the Gateway Skills programme was a flexible platform implemented to train participants with requisite skills, help them in formalising their businesses, so as to meet necessary requirements for accessing business-friendly loans, urging interested participants to register for the programme via https://gfa-tech.com/projects/gateway/
In his presentation, Senior Business Development Expert, Lagos/Ogun, GOPA, Mr. Lawal Ismael educated attendees on the Inspire, Create, Start and Scale (ICSS) concept, saying the project which was executed in partnership with GIZ-Sedin focuses on capacity building of entrepreneurs, helping beneficiaries to discover themselves, business opportunities, taking advantage on growing their entities and providing an after-care service for the business.
He urged MSMEs in Ogun State to maximise the second phase of the ICSS project which had already commenced, adding that there would be an engagement meeting in Ogun State on April 7, 2025.
In his contribution, Co-ordinator, Ogun State Skills Fund, Engr. Segun Fatoki said the Fund would soon establish the State Job Centre, which would link workers to organisations in need of their services, a work hub where equipment could be rented.
Responding, one of the participants, President, Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), Dr. Femi Egbesola, appealed to government to increase its patronage of products manufactured by small businesses and provide more support for businesses to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
