Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been identified as key beneficiaries of a nationwide mindset shift in leadership and citizenship, as discussed at the Lagos edition of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group's National Dialogue Series under the Nigerian Hamilton Project. The initiative, supported by NESG and the Gates Foundation, emphasises that sustainable economic development requires both visionary leadership and proactive citizen participation.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Ope George, noted that infrastructure expansion, technology-driven governance, and quality education are critical for business-friendly environments. He stressed that without a culture of responsibility among citizens, public projects — which often serve as enablers for SMEs — cannot reach their full potential.
Former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, highlighted the need for a clear national ideology and stronger adherence to the rule of law, which he said would create a more predictable operating environment for entrepreneurs. "If we could be known as a country of laws, it would make us richer," he remarked, pointing to how consistency and accountability benefit commerce.
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The book that inspired the dialogue, Development as Attitude by Prof. Osita Ogbu, underscored how leadership philosophy and citizen orientation shape economic opportunities. He called for increased national pride and responsibility, urging Nigerians to treat underperformance — from sports to industry — as a catalyst for improvement, not complacency.
Panelists, including Sterling Bank CEO Abubakar Suleiman, also warned that SMEs cannot "leapfrog" without solid foundations in science, technology, and manufacturing. He cited the Aba market as a case study, noting that scaling production quality and quantity to global standards is essential for capturing larger markets.
