As Nigeria faces growing pressure to diversify its economy and create meaningful employment opportunities, financial and strategy expert Titilayo Shehu has called on the government to overhaul its approach to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not just job creators, they are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, acting as vital economic stabilizers and key drivers of innovation. Their ability to absorb labor, adapt quickly to market shifts, and serve underserved communities makes them essential to any strategy aimed at reducing unemployment and closing the wealth gap.

In her address to a gathering of policymakers, business leaders, and development advocates, Titilayo Shehu noted that while SMEs account for over 80% of jobs in Nigeria, many remain stunted due to systemic barriers such as limited financing, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent government support.
“The true potential of SMEs cannot be unlocked without intentional policy design, data-backed decision-making, and sustained public-private collaboration,” Titilayo Shehu said. “It is not enough to provide loans; we must provide long-term support systems that nurture growth.”

One particularly resonant point in her speech was the role of technology in bridging economic divides. “When SMEs are equipped with digital tools, from inventory management to mobile payments, we see a transformation not only in productivity but in resilience. A tech-enabled business can survive currency fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and even pandemics,” she stated.

Titilayo Shehu also pointed to the need for better data transparency and outcome tracking in government SME interventions. “We have to stop flying blind. Every naira invested in SME development should be measurable in terms of jobs created, revenue grown, and markets accessed.”

Her remarks drew strong responses from attendees, many of whom echoed the call for a more intentional and modern approach to enterprise development. A youth entrepreneurship advocate at the event said Titilayo Shehu’s proposals “capture the urgency of the moment” and “offer clear direction for national policymakers.”

With Nigeria at an economic crossroads, voices like Titilayo Shehu’s are shaping the dialogue around how to create inclusive, scalable, and sustainable growth from the ground up