The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt and adapt to digital technologies to increase productivity and profitability.
Speaking at the 10th edition of the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA)’s ‘Business 360 Clinics’ themed “Technology Utilisation and Innovation: Its Effect on SME Profitability and Productivity”, NITDA’s director-general, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi emphasised that the effective use of technology by MSMEs would lead to improved efficiency, higher productivity and economic survival for nations. He urged MSMEs to focus on progress, rather than perfection, to achieve increased productivity.
Abdullahi noted that MSMEs play a crucial role in the economies of all countries by contributing to national economic growth and employment. He highlighted NITDA’s collaborative initiatives and programmes positively impacting Nigeria’s MSMEs, such as the digital marketing for SMEs in partnership with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), gender techpreneurship workshop for women and digital innovation training for 300 secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory in partnership with the AEA.
Abdullahi, who was represented by the acting national coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), Mr. Yakubu Musa said: “Technology’s impact on economic survival is significant, especially in today’s market. Nigeria’s SMEs need to adopt existing tech and invest in new tech for sustained growth. SMEs play a major role in job creation and economic growth worldwide.”
The CEO of the Abuja Enterprise Agency, Mallam Shehu Abdulquadir, stated that the programme aimed to support the recovery of SMEs from the COVID-19 pandemic and help them regain traction. He revealed that the World Bank had, through the agency, disbursed N200 million to 850 SMEs in Abuja and would disburse other tranches of USD 3.5 million to over 2,500 SMEs next month.
In conclusion, NITDA encouraged MSMEs to embrace digital technologies as a means of improving productivity and profitability, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also, the agency is providing support to MSMEs through its various collaborative initiatives and programmes.
