The MSME sector is a major employer of labor and an important part of the Nigerian economy.

The growth of this sector has been greatly affected by lack of access to finance, insufficient use of Information technology, low research and development expenditure, and lack of databases.

To address the many issues facing MSME. The Federal Government of Nigeria established the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria by the SMEDAN Act of 2003.

The agency has the responsibility of promoting and developing the MSME sector in the country.

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What Is SMEDAN

SMEDAN is an abbreviation that means Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria. It is an agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria established by the 2003 SMEDAN Act, with the responsibility of coordinating, initiating policies and ideas, and providing support for MSME in Nigeria.

Currently, the DG (Director General) of SMEDAN is Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda.

How To Register on SMEDAN

Registering your business with SMEDAN comes with lots of benefits, including access to funding opportunities, and support from both the private sector and Government.

To register your business on SMEDAN,

• Visit the agency’s registration website https://smedanregister.ng
• Enter your business name, phone number, email address, and password. Then click on “Get started”
• Enter other information about your business like business address, nature of the business, number of employers, etc.
• After entering all details your SMEDAN certificate containing your business name and SMEDAN number will be generated and sent to your email address.
• Go to your email address to download your SMEDAN certificate, alternatively, you could also log in to the agency website to view and download your electronic certificate.

How To Get An SMEDAN Certificate And Number

The SMEDAN certificate is an important document that serves as evidence that your business is duly registered with SMEDAN.

This certificate is important because it could be requested when applying for government support. On the Certificate is a unique SMEDAN number that identifies each business registered with the agency.

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Your certificate will be presented to you electronically in PDF formats along with your SMEDAN number after successfully registering your business with the Agency. Thus, the process for obtaining a SMEDAN certificate and number can be summarized as follows:

• Go to the SMEDAN website
• Register your business by filling in details about your business.
• Download your electronic certificate with a SMEDAN number.

Roles And Functions Of SMEDAN In Nigeria

The roles and functions of Small And Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria include:

Working with both private and public sectors to create an enabling environment for the striving of MSME.

SMEDAN over the years have provided support services and opportunities through the private and public sector for MSME

Creation of a database for monitoring and coordinating the activities of MSME

Because accurate data is critical for the assessment of the MSME sector, SMEDAN aims to reach and formalize as many MSME as possible through its mass registration program. Having a database of all MSME will help the agency in its decision making.

Stimulating the development of MSME by providing access to loans, instruments, and other support services.

SMEDAN Links MSME to loans and sometimes provides instruments that encourage the growth of businesses.

Intermediate between government and MSME

The government goes through SMEDAN when it has any social-economic programs that will be of benefit to MSME. The survival fund program is a perfect example of the agency acting as an intermediary