The Nigerian government has announced the formation of an oversight committee to coordinate the country’s hosting of the 4th African Union Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Forum, scheduled for June 23 to 27, 2025, in Abuja. The committee includes prominent figures such as Dele Oye, the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and other significant stakeholders.
President Bola Tinubu gave his approval for the committee, which will be led by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President). Key members of the committee include Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy; Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy; and Senator John Owan Enoh, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade, and Investment.
The committee also includes high-ranking executives from vital institutions, such as Mrs. Nonye Ayeni from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Aisha Rimi of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Dr. Olasupo Olusi from the Bank of Industry, Mr. Zacch Adedeji from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Abba Bello from NEXIM Bank, Mr. Charles Odii from SMEDAN, and Mr. Anthony N. Alonwu from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Additionally, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, will serve as the host country coordinator and secretary of the committee.
The African Union MSME Forum is an annual event initiated by the African Union Commission (AUC) to promote the growth of MSMEs across Africa, strengthen intra-African trade, and develop regional value chains. Nigeria’s hosting rights mark a significant milestone for the country, which follows previous events held in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Namibia.
