Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Jude Chiemeka, has restated the Exchange’s commitment to empowering Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through structured access to long-term financing.

Speaking at a workshop jointly hosted by NGX and the Bank of Industry (BOI) in Lagos yesterday, Chiemeka said the Exchange was actively creating pathways for SMEs to become investment-ready by leveraging initiatives such as the NGX Growth Board and strategic partnerships with institutions like BOI.

He noted that the efforts were part of NGX’s broader strategy to address Nigeria’s estimated $158 billion SME funding gap and deepen capital market participation for high-impact businesses.

According to him, the exchange is actively creating pathways for SMEs to transition into investment-ready businesses by leveraging initiatives, such as the NGX Growth Board and partnerships with key institutions like the Bank of Industry (BOI).

He said the Exchange was committed to deepening the integration of SMEs into Nigeria’s capital markets.

Chiemeka also noted that building a robust SME financing framework through the capital market was essential to unlocking economic growth and job creation in Nigeria.

BOI’s Executive Director of Corporate Finance and Investment, Rotimi Akinde, emphasised the bank’s broader support strategy for SMEs, extending beyond traditional lending.

Also contributing, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Francis Meshioye, called for policy reforms to support SME listings, including tax incentives and reduced regulatory burdens.