Abuja, Nigeria – The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), aiming to expand economic opportunities and entrepreneurship among Corps members.
Speaking during a visit by SMEDAN Director-General Dr. Charles Odii to his office in Abuja, NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu highlighted SMEDAN as a pivotal partner in the Scheme’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. The initiative has, over the years, empowered thousands of young Nigerians to establish sustainable businesses across multiple sectors, contributing to national economic growth.
“SMEDAN plays a vital role in nurturing Corps entrepreneurs whose businesses are now contributing to Nigeria’s GDP,” Brig. Gen. Nafiu said. “Through its interventions in entrepreneurship advocacy, skills acquisition, financial literacy, and access to funding, the agency has significantly strengthened our SAED programme. NYSC will continue to enhance linkages with funding institutions to ensure our Corps members can access the loans and grants they need to grow their businesses.”
Dr. Odii underscored the importance of reviewing and updating the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies to further expand opportunities for youth empowerment.
“SMEDAN currently supports over 39 million small businesses nationwide,” he noted, emphasizing the need to integrate NYSC’s Community Development Service (CDS) groups to raise awareness about entrepreneurial programmes and services. “From the Orientation Camp onwards, we want Corps members to emerge not only as national service participants but also as business development service providers. We are also prepared to train NYSC officials, equipping them with the skills to become successful entrepreneurs in their post-service careers.”
Brig. Gen. Nafiu praised SMEDAN’s contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development, noting that the agency’s interventions align with the NYSC’s broader objectives of promoting national unity, integration, and economic participation among young Nigerians.
This strengthened partnership between NYSC and SMEDAN is expected to significantly enhance youth employment, business creation, and industrial growth, reinforcing the Nigerian government’s commitment to economic diversification and sustainable development.
Elijah Adeyemi
