The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has launched a Climate and Green Energy Desk (SCGED) to provide support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in addressing the effects of climate change.
The newly-appointed Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii, made this announcement during the inauguration of the desk in Abuja.
Mr. Odii emphasized that this initiative aims to empower and assist SMEs actively involved in the development of clean energy solutions and other climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
He stressed the urgency of this initiative, as the climate crisis has begun to significantly impact vital sectors of Nigeria’s economy, particularly agriculture and sustainable power generation.
Referring to a 2022 study by the Centre for Climate Change and Development at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Mr. Odii pointed out that Nigeria has already lost approximately N100 billion to the effects of climate change.
Without decisive action, the nation could lose as much as N460 billion by 2050. Extreme weather events such as flooding, desertification, and erratic rainfall patterns are already affecting small businesses, particularly in underserved communities.
The SCGED will play a pivotal role by fostering entrepreneurial innovations that address the pressing challenges posed by climate change. It will conduct research and development to identify the specific obstacles encountered by SMEs in the climate entrepreneurship sector.
Furthermore, the initiative will establish a comprehensive database of SMEs and provide training and capacity-building programs to enhance their skills and knowledge. Funding support will also be offered to help SMEs tackle the climate crisis and leverage both local and global funding opportunities. Partnerships with global organizations will be established to foster collaboration in delivering innovative solutions for environmental sustainability.
Inga Stefanowicz, the Head of Section for Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended SMEDAN’s initiative, noting its alignment with the EU’s core priorities in addressing climate challenges related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and economic diversification.
Bitrus Garki, the FCT Mandate Secretary, expressed the government’s eagerness to collaborate with the SMEDAN Climate Change Desk, working together to deliver sustainable solutions to SMEs, especially in areas crucial for fostering a business-friendly environment.
Dr. Olawale Anifowose, the Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Network in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of harnessing innovation in the green economy as a key driver for unlocking new growth opportunities in the country.
The initiative aligns with global efforts to address pressing climate challenges that threaten the planet. SMEDAN encourages climate entrepreneurs and SMEs to take advantage of this opportunity by registering for support on its dedicated website: www.smedan.gov.ng/SCGED.
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