The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched a solar-powered garment-making center in Abuja. The facility aims to reduce business costs and promote clean energy for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). At least 120 entrepreneurs are expected to benefit daily from the center.
It will provide them with free access to modern garment-making equipment, helping alleviate the burden of power costs, machine purchases, and maintenance. Charles Odii, the Director-General of SMEDAN, spoke at the launch.
He highlighted the economic challenges small businesses face due to rising operational costs. Odii emphasized that the initiative is designed to reduce these pressures. It offers SMEs a cost-effective space to operate and scale their businesses.
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came into power, some policies have increased the cost of doing business for small enterprises. What we are doing today is reducing that cost. Small businesses can book a machine here, work for free, and not worry about power, machine purchases, or maintenance,” Odii said. He has also helped get 254 locally manufactured solar panels to power the center. They generate 240 kVA to ensure a sustainable and uninterrupted energy supply. The facility not only provides production facilities but also offers warehousing and distribution support.
SMEDAN has secured partnerships with NIPOST, and God Is Good Logistics. These partnerships offer SMEs discounted distribution rates to enable seamless delivery of finished products across Nigeria. Odii further explained that the solar-powered garment-making center is part of a broader strategy.
The solar power aims to boost Nigeria’s industrial and employment sectors. Similar initiatives have already been launched in Katsina and Osun States.
Solar-powered garment hub launch
Plans are underway to extend the model to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The initiative could potentially create around 700 direct and indirect jobs daily, with each machine employing at least five people. The Resident Representative of UNDP in Nigeria, Elsie Gyekyewaa Attafuah, commended the partnership with the Nigerian government.
She stressed the role of SMEs as the backbone of the nation’s economy. Attafuah emphasized the potential of such initiatives to position Nigeria competitively within the African Continental Free Trade Area. “Nigeria has 40 million micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises that contribute significantly to GDP and job creation.
By providing sustainable energy, we enable these businesses to thrive,” Attafuah stated. She added that UNDP is working on additional initiatives to support innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. This includes the Timbuktu Initiative, which plans to invest $1 billion to support 10,000 startups across Africa.
The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders. The National Union of Textile, Garment, and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria called for expanding this model to other key cities like Kano, known for its large tailoring industry. Auwalu Abdullahi, a union representative, emphasized that extending the project would strengthen Nigeria’s economy, create more jobs, and empower thousands of tailors.
“If this initiative reaches all 36 states, it will significantly boost Nigeria’s economy. We urge UNDP and SMEDAN to replicate this model nationwide,” Abdullahi said. Launching the solar-powered garment-making center marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to support SMEs, reduce unemployment, and promote clean energy.
With plans for national expansion, it aims to transform the garment industry, enhance local production, and drive economic growth.