Prominent figures in Nigeria’s SME sector have reiterated the urgent need for government-driven support systems that empower local businesses to grow and compete on a global scale. At the recent Business Engagement Forum and Press Conference for MINE FEST 2025, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ikeja, industry leaders emphasized the transformative role of Made-in-Nigeria goods in national development.
Dr. Olubunmi Kole-Dauda, founder of Naijapreneur.com, along with other key advocates such as Tito Phillips, emphasized the importance of building a robust local economy by encouraging patronage of domestically manufactured products. They maintained that such support would not only strengthen SMEs but also play a critical role in diversifying Nigeria’s revenue streams away from oil dependency.
Gathering experts in finance, representatives from the banking industry, and policymakers, the forum served as a strategic platform for dialogue around reshaping Nigeria’s position in an evolving global market. Speakers collectively called on federal and state authorities to implement favorable policies that will nurture local manufacturing and increase competitiveness for Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Tito Phillips, convener of the event, described MINE FEST 2025 as more than just a festival—it’s a nationwide movement designed to uplift and showcase Nigerian innovation to the world. He stated that the platform aims to celebrate excellence, elevate emerging brands, and give visibility to local creativity.
“Nigeria’s economic resilience lies in our ability to shift gears,” Phillips noted. “We must reduce our dependence on oil and instead focus on industrializing through local solutions and empowering homegrown businesses. This is the path to sustainable development.”
Phillips urged collective involvement, highlighting that national progress cannot be achieved in isolation. “It takes collaboration,” he said. “We’re calling on stakeholders—from policymakers and investors to the media and development agencies—to join this mission, not just as spectators, but as contributors to real economic change.”
As part of the celebration, 40 young entrepreneurs who have shown exceptional leadership and innovation in business will be honored for their contributions to national development.
The upcoming MINE FEST 2025 is scheduled to take place from October 16th to 17th, and will feature a conference, trade exhibition, and awards gala. The event is expected to draw over 300 in-person attendees, with more than 1,000 participants joining virtually—creating a hybrid platform that bridges physical and digital engagement across the SME ecosystem.
