The Lagos State Government has provided grants, work tools and productive equipment to more than 100 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship, boost productivity and promote job creation.
The intervention was announced by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Nana-Hauwa Adeeyo, at the 2026 MSME Day Celebration, Awards and Grant Presentation Ceremony held at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja.
Adeeyo disclosed that the beneficiaries were selected from the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring that enterprise development initiatives reach business owners across different communities.
She explained that the initiative was designed to translate the state government’s enterprise development policies into practical support that would enable small businesses to expand their operations, improve productivity and achieve long-term sustainability.
Speaking on the theme, “Empowering MSMEs Through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development,” Adeeyo described MSMEs as critical drivers of employment, local production, household income and economic growth.
She stressed that supporting the growth of small businesses was essential to building a more productive, competitive and resilient Lagos economy.
According to her, the grants and equipment were intended to help beneficiaries increase output, improve product quality, enhance service delivery and expand their businesses.
She, however, urged the beneficiaries to deploy the resources responsibly, prioritising investments that would deliver sustainable business growth and create employment opportunities.
The governor’s aide also highlighted the Lagos State Access to Finance for MSMEs through Cooperatives (LASMECO) Scheme, which is backed by a ₦10 billion financing framework, as one of the government’s key initiatives for improving access to capital.
She explained that the scheme leverages cooperative structures to promote savings, resource pooling and improved access to financing and business opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Adeeyo further identified the Lagos State Export Readiness Programme as a strategic platform for preparing local enterprises to access wider markets.
She said the programme focuses on improving product quality, standardisation, certification and packaging to strengthen the competitiveness of Lagos-based businesses and enhance their participation in global value chains.
On industrial development, she noted that the Lagos State Industrial Policy was designed to strengthen local production and supply chains while creating opportunities for MSMEs to participate in industrial growth as manufacturers, suppliers and service providers.
She added that the state government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda and One-Stop-Shop initiative were aimed at simplifying administrative procedures, improving access to public services and creating a more business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs and investors.
Adeeyo encouraged business owners to embrace innovation, digital technology, sound financial management and sustainable production practices to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging business environment.
She emphasised that government interventions must translate into measurable improvements in productivity, business expansion and employment generation.
The governor’s aide also underscored the importance of inclusive enterprise development, particularly for women, young people and vulnerable groups, calling for stronger collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, development partners and private-sector stakeholders.
According to her, such partnerships would help expand entrepreneurs’ access to finance, technical skills, markets and productive assets, thereby strengthening the capacity of MSMEs to contribute meaningfully to economic development.
The event attracted government officials, industry leaders, financial institutions, development partners, business associations and entrepreneurs, who gathered to celebrate outstanding business performance and explore strategies for sustainable MSME development.
The initiative underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots enterprises, promoting local industrial development and positioning small businesses as major contributors to job creation and economic resilience.
