The Federal Government has announced plans to list 1,000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on the Nigerian capital market to improve access to finance and create jobs. The initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

SEC Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, said the move will enable SMEs to raise long-term funds from investors instead of relying on expensive bank loans, while SMEDAN’s Director-General, Charles Odii, described it as a major step toward unlocking growth opportunities for millions of small businesses.

The partnership will also provide training on financial literacy, corporate governance, and capital market operations to prepare SMEs for listing. The government expects the initiative to drive economic diversification, boost job creation, and strengthen the national economy.