By: Daniel Kanu
Editor
Founder, Naijapreneur.com, Tito Phillips, Deputy Director, SMEs, Lagos State, Dr Olubunmi Kole-Dauda and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector have called on the Federal and State Governments to create a more enabling environment for locally made products to thrive.
They also made case for patronage and the consumption of Made-in-Nigeria goods to boost the SMEs products , as well as grow the economy, which requires diversification.
The call was made on Wednesday at a Business Engagement Forum and Press Conference for SMEs MINE FEST 2025, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
It was a gathering that brought together financial experts, Bank representatives, NAFDAC officials, NSITF, LIRS stakeholders among others.
The event aimed at fostering dialogue and momentum for Nigeria’s entrepreneurial future in an emerging global economy.
Many speakers at the event including: Sam Onosanya (Sterling Bank), Ibidun Adedewe (First Bank), Babatunde Animashaun (LIRS), Omonike Omolola Oluyide NAFDAC, Ifeyinwa Adeshida and Okolie Chigozie provided insight on how to strengthen the SMEs through sourcing funds, registration, and tax matters among others.
SMEs stakeholders used the platform to urge governments to create policies that promote local production and support Nigerian businesses.
They also called for a shift in mindset among Nigerians to patronize Made-in-Nigeria products, emphasizing the importance of local innovation.
The event’s convener, Tito Philips, described MINE FEST 2025 as a movement dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and elevating Nigerian excellence.
The initiative, he noted aims to showcase Nigerian products and promote local innovation globally.
Phillips disclosed further that Nigerians have found themselves at a crossroads where the urgent need to diversify the economic base and promote local content has become more than a policy agenda, but now a necessity, an imperative for survival and future relevance in the global economy.
Philips described MINE FEST 2025 as more than just an event, but a movement dedicated to celebrating, empowering, and elevating Nigerian excellence. He noted that the initiative is designed to showcase what Nigerians can produce and promote local innovation on a global scale.
Said Phillips “Investment in the production and consumption of Made-in-Nigeria products will boost SMEs and position Nigeria competitively in the global economy,.
“We can no longer rely solely on oil. For our economy to grow, we must shift towards supporting local industries and reducing dependency on foreign goods.”
He further called for collective action, noting that “Nation-building is a shared responsibility. We invite investors, policymakers, corporate leaders, media partners, and development agencies to join us—not as observers, but as active participants.”
On MINE FEST 2025, Philips said the event will recognize 40 young entrepreneurs who are building the future of Nigeria through innovation and enterprise.
“Let us commit to being the wind beneath the wings of these entrepreneurs—those who dare to dream and redefine what is possible,” he submitted.
Speaking on the importance of trust between producers and consumers, Mr. Kole-Dauda said building confidence in local products is key to reducing dependence on imports.
According to him “We need to be intentional about supporting our own. When there is truth and trust, standards will improve, and consumers will buy into the vision.”
He disclosed that MINE FEST 2025 will hold from October 16 to 17, as a three-in-one event comprising a conference, exhibition, and award ceremony for SMEs that are at least 40 years old.
“We expect over 300 participants to attend physically, with more than 1,000 joining virtually,” he added.
The forum concluded with a renewed call for both public and private sector collaboration in supporting local entrepreneurship, as stakeholders agreed that sustainable economic development is impossible without strong local enterprise.
