Nigeria Customs Partners with SMEDAN to Ease Trade and Support Small Businesses

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have joined forces to boost local production, simplify cross-border trade, and support small businesses. This strategic partnership was announced by Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi during a meeting with SMEDAN Director-General Charles Oidi and his team at the NCS headquarters in Abuja.

To facilitate smoother processes for businesses involved in international trade, a dedicated SMEDAN team will be stationed at NCS offices to provide specialized assistance. Adeniyi emphasized the crucial role SMEs play in Nigeria’s economy, stating, “The population of SMEs cannot be ignored. Whatever you do with them, you do it to strengthen the economy of the nation”.

Nigeria’s economy relies heavily on the informal sector, with SMEs driving job creation and economic activity. According to a SMEDAN National Survey, there are 41 million micro-businesses and 73,000 small and medium enterprises operating in the country. However, SMEs often face significant challenges in their operations.

SMEDAN’s Director-General Charles Oidi praised the NCS for its commitment to supporting SMEs and highlighted the importance of collaboration between government agencies and the SME sector. “SMEDAN remains dedicated to identifying bottlenecks, designing inclusive solutions, and implementing effective strategies to support the growth of SMEs in Nigeria,” he said.

This partnership is expected to enhance the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy, positioning SMEs for greater success in domestic and international markets. With this collaboration, Nigeria’s small businesses can look forward to easier cross-border trade and increased growth opportunities.