Saturday, 18 October 2025

FG to list 1,000 SMEs to boost access to capital, growth

By sbinsights on October 18, 2025

By Abiodun Abdullai

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to list at least 1,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on the Nigerian capital market to improve access to long-term financing, stimulate business expansion, and drive job creation.

The initiative follows a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in Abuja.

According to both agencies, the collaboration will deepen capital access for Nigeria's over 40 million registered micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), positioning them to benefit from equity and debt financing opportunities within the capital market.

SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, said the partnership would help small businesses overcome financing bottlenecks and enable them to participate in wealth creation through public listings.

"Capital is the bedrock of any company," Agama stated. "It's time our 40 million SMEs gain access to sustainable financing options that can strengthen their operations and promote inclusive economic growth."

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SMEDAN Director-General, Charles Odii, noted that the MoU would reduce the high cost of capital faced by small businesses and open new channels for funding.

He said both institutions are targeting at least 1,000 SME listings, a move expected to "galvanize growth, create wealth, and reduce unemployment across the country."

Under the agreement, SEC and SMEDAN will conduct joint capacity-building programmes to enhance SMEs' financial literacy, governance, and understanding of market operations. The SEC will also integrate SME financing support into its five-year strategic policy framework.

A joint working group will be set up to oversee the implementation of the MoU and ensure compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

The partnership forms part of the Federal Government's broader economic reform agenda, which seeks to build a $1 trillion economy through private sector participation, job creation, and inclusive growth.