Access, Wema, Providus, others compete for honours at Nigeria SME Awards
Leading financial institutions, including Access Bank, Wema Bank, and Providus Bank, are set to compete for top honours at the Nigeria SME Awards, an event dedicated to recognising excellence in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector.
The 8th edition of the Nigeria Small and Medium Enterprises Summit and Awards (NigeriaSMEAwards) is set to take place in Lagos for the first time in its history, marking a significant milestone for this prestigious event.
Endorsed by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the annual awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to drive Nigeria’s economy forward.
Despite global economic challenges such as inflation, geopolitical tensions, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Nigerians have continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience in business.
Entrepreneurs and business owners across the country have played a crucial role in job creation, economic expansion, and overall national prosperity. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have remained at the forefront of this success, showing unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
This year’s awards ceremony will recognise the efforts of governors who have implemented significant policies and initiatives to enhance the SME sector within their respective states.
“Governors from Zamfara, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Borno, Enugu, Ekiti, Benue, and Kaduna have introduced transformative measures that have had a profound impact on local enterprises,” stated Adedayo Olalekan, the visionary convener of NigeriaSMEAwards 2025.
“Their dedication to the growth and sustainability of small and medium businesses will serve as a guiding light and a source of inspiration for the entire nation,” he added.
Speaking during a recent press conference in Lagos, Olalekan underscored that this year’s event would bring a fresh perspective and introduce a unique approach, moving away from traditional formats.
He remarked, “Despite economic challenges, Nigerians continue to display an unshakable commitment to progress. Their determination and resilience have kept the nation’s business landscape vibrant, and we believe this event will celebrate those efforts while encouraging even greater strides in the SME sector.”
With Lagos playing host for the first time, the upcoming edition of NigeriaSMEAwards is expected to attract key stakeholders from across the country, providing a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and further empowerment of Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
