Enterprise development experts, policymakers and business leaders have called for stronger support for Nigeria’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), warning that the country’s quest for sustainable economic growth may remain unattainable unless deliberate efforts are made to strengthen the sector.

The experts made the call in Abuja during the public presentation of ‘From Cradle to Saddle’, a memoir authored by former Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr. Olawale Fasanya.

Speaking at the event, stakeholders described MSMEs as the engine room of Nigeria’s economy, stressing that the sector remains critical to job creation, poverty reduction, innovation and inclusive growth.

They argued that despite the resilience of small businesses, many entrepreneurs continue to grapple with challenges such as inadequate access to finance, weak infrastructure, limited market opportunities and policy inconsistencies.

According to the experts, addressing these constraints is essential if Nigeria hopes to unlock the full potential of its entrepreneurial population and diversify the economy beyond dependence on oil revenues.

In his remarks, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, said the event offered an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of enterprise development in Nigeria and the role institutions have played in supporting small businesses.

Radda, a former DG of SMEDAN, noted that the lessons contained in the book highlight the importance of building strong institutions capable of driving economic transformation and supporting entrepreneurs across the country.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal Jobe, the Governor described Fasanya as one of the key figures who contributed to the growth of SMEDAN and the strengthening of Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem, adding that effective leadership remains critical to institutional sustainability.

According to him, Fasanya, a pioneer staff of the agency, played a pivotal role in shaping SMEDAN’s growth and development, contributing significantly to policies and programmes aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“Importantly, the book also serves as a bridge between generations. One of the greatest weaknesses of many public institutions in Africa is the poor culture of documentation and knowledge transfer. Valuable experiences are often lost because they are never documented. Future leaders then repeat old mistakes instead of building on existing foundations.

“By putting this history together, Dr. Fasanya has rendered a valuable service not only to SMEDAN, but to Nigeria as a whole. Future policymakers, development practitioners, entrepreneurs, scholars and institution-builders will benefit immensely from the insights contained in this work,” he said.

In his goodwill message, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN, Dr. Charles Odii, underscored the importance of documentation and knowledge transfer, lamenting that many valuable experiences in public service are often lost due to poor record-keeping and weak institutional memory.

He said the memoir provides an important account of policy reforms, leadership experiences and enterprise development initiatives that can serve as a reference point for future policymakers, development practitioners and entrepreneurs.

Also, the Vice-Chancellor, University of America, Prof. Engr. Gamaliel Onyeka, described the author as a visionary leader and accomplished administrator whose contributions to enterprise development and public service have left an enduring impact on Nigeria’s MSME sector.

The V-C applauded Dr. Fasanya for documenting his experiences, noting that the book would serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, entrepreneurs, scholars and future leaders seeking insights into institution-building, leadership and economic development.

Speaking with journalists, Fasanya said he was delighted to become the first staff member of the agency to rise through the ranks and lead the organisation. He recalled that the agency was established during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and has evolved from operating from a guest house into a major institution.

According to him, the book documents his key contributions to SMEDAN, including the development of the national policy on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the launch of the “One Local Government, One Product” initiative. He noted that the publication also traces the agency’s journey from its early days to its present achievements