The Federal Government of Nigeria is embarking on a significant undertaking: a comprehensive census of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative, driven by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI), aims to gather crucial data on the MSME landscape in Nigeria, a sector widely recognized as a vital engine for economic growth and job creation. Currently, the project is in its nascent stages, with the government engaging in preliminary consultations with key stakeholders, primarily business membership organizations (BMOs), to lay the groundwork for the census. These initial interactions are focused on establishing a foundational committee that will spearhead the planning and execution of the census.
The formation of this preliminary committee signals the government’s commitment to a collaborative approach, recognizing the importance of incorporating the perspectives and expertise of various stakeholders. BMOs, representing a diverse range of businesses across different sectors, are being actively involved in the committee’s formation. Prominent organizations like the National Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI) and the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) have confirmed their participation in these initial discussions, indicating a broad-based buy-in from the MSME community. While the committee’s composition is nearing completion, with approximately 80% of the anticipated members identified, a formal inaugural meeting is yet to be scheduled.
The primary objective of this preliminary committee is to gather information, identify relevant stakeholders, and sensitize the MSME sector about the upcoming census. This initial phase will involve extensive consultations with BMOs and other relevant parties to gather their input and ensure that the census methodology is comprehensive and effectively captures the nuances of the MSME landscape. This information-gathering process will serve as a crucial foundation for subsequent stages of the census, enabling the government to develop a robust and targeted approach. The government’s proactive engagement with BMOs underscores the importance of building consensus and fostering a sense of ownership among stakeholders, ensuring the census’s success.
While the preliminary committee is taking shape, stakeholders eagerly anticipate the inaugural meeting, which will mark the official commencement of the census planning process. This meeting will provide a platform for the government to articulate its vision for the census, outlining the objectives, methodology, and timeline. It will also offer an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in substantive discussions, contribute their expertise, and shape the direction of the census. Until this inaugural meeting takes place, stakeholders remain in a holding pattern, awaiting further details about the government’s plans.
The significance of the inaugural meeting cannot be overstated. It will provide clarity on the government’s roadmap for the census, enabling stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the process and contribute meaningfully to its design and implementation. This meeting will also serve as a forum for stakeholders to voice their concerns, offer suggestions, and ensure that the census adequately addresses the specific needs and challenges faced by MSMEs in Nigeria. The anticipation surrounding this meeting underscores the importance of transparent communication and collaborative planning in ensuring the census’s effectiveness.
The upcoming MSME census represents a crucial step towards gaining a comprehensive understanding of the MSME sector in Nigeria. Accurate and up-to-date data on MSMEs will be invaluable for policymakers, researchers, and businesses alike. It will inform policy decisions, facilitate targeted interventions, and enable evidence-based planning for the growth and development of the MSME sector. The census will also empower MSMEs themselves, providing them with valuable insights into their operating environment and enabling them to make informed business decisions. The collaborative approach adopted by the government, involving key stakeholders from the outset, bodes well for the success of this important initiative. The expectation is that this census will serve as a catalyst for more effective policies and programs aimed at supporting and strengthening the MSME sector, which is crucial for driving economic growth, creating jobs, and reducing poverty in Nigeria.
