NASFAT Explores Partnership with SMEDAN to Boost Members’ Participation in Small and Medium Enterprises

NASFAT President, Alhaji Ayodeji Abdulwahid Abdul Rauf, along with the National Project Secretary, the FCT Zonal Chairman, Dr. Nasir Raji, and the FCT Zonal Women Affairs Secretary, Hajia Haleemat Kadiri, made a courtesy visit to the SMEDAN Head Office in Abuja to discuss potential partnerships and collaborations.

The aim of the visit was to enable NASFAT members to take advantage of common facilities and incubation centers for production and to harness their potentials in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

SMEDAN Proposed Areas of Partnership and Collaboration:

1. Enterprise Development Promotion (EDP): Initiatives to support and promote enterprise development.
2. SMEDAN Select: Training programs focused on tailoring, cosmetology, woodwork/furniture, and the production of household products.
3. National Business Investment Opportunities: Encouraging members to utilize NEXIM Bank and NASAMA for exportation and trade.
4. My Shift: A SMEDAN program aimed at changing the mindset of the younger generation willing to develop business ventures.
5. Talent Hunt: A platform for youth to showcase their ideas in different fields and be rewarded.
6. Gross: Support for members with disabilities who have business ideas.
7. Financial Empowerment: Facilitating loans with single-digit interest rates for members with viable business ideas.
8. Branding and Packaging: Helping business-oriented members build quality and standards in their products and participate in international trade.
9. Agricultural Farming Programs: Focusing on holistic development and geographical indication of different products in Nigeria.
10. Support for Small Business Holders: Collaboration through the Bank of Industry.
11. Women and Youth Programs: “Meet the CEO” initiatives to inspire and educate.
12. Capacity Building: Providing solutions to harvest loss and promoting food security.

Resolution:

After extensive deliberations on the proposed areas, NASFAT President Alhaji Abdulwahid Abdul Rauf acknowledged the urgent need for NASFAT members to utilize SMEDAN facilities to enhance their capacities and participate in international trade.

The SMEDAN management committed to partnering with NASFAT by providing access to their operational facilities located in the FCT, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Edo, Kano, and Katsina.