Abuja: The United Nations Development Programme/Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme (UNDP/GEF-SGP) has announced the empowerment of over 600 enterprises nationwide through its Support to Potential and Established Nature-Positive MSMEs (SPENM) project. Dr. Ibirounke Olubamise, National Coordinator of UNDP/GEF-SGP, revealed this development during the unveiling of the Nature Positive Organisation Online Directory in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the project is implemented by the International Trade Facilitators Association (ITFA) and has helped beneficiary enterprises transition from donor reliance to becoming sustainable, market-ready businesses. The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to foster an enabling environment for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to flourish.
Olubamise explained that the SPENM project is designed to build local capacity, enhance market access, and prepare eco-conscious businesses for international trade. This is being accomplished by ensuring compliance with green standards and sustainability requirements, allowing MSMEs to reduce their reliance on grants.
Olubamise described SPENM as a post-grant sustainability initiative addressing the transient impact of many interventions targeting non-governmental organisations and MSMEs. The project was initiated with a catalytic $50,000 seed grant from the UNDP-administered GEF-SGP, supplemented by in-kind contributions of equal value.
The initiative equips environmentally friendly enterprises, NGOs, and community-based organisations with essential skills, market access, and global certification pathways necessary to remain viable beyond donor funding. It targets grassroots enterprises, including farmers, processors, and nature-positive MSMEs engaged in renewable energy, waste reduction, and environmental conservation.
Olubamise identified several challenges facing the programme, including grant dependency, funding constraints, market barriers, and infrastructure deficits. Mr. Collins Ezeiruaku, Trade Ambassador of ITFA, highlighted that the newly unveiled online directory would connect businesses with buyers, improving access to genuine products.
He described the platform as a global showcase for Nigerian businesses, offering visibility, credibility, business information, and continuous training for participating enterprises. Businesses listed on the platform will gain access to markets and opportunities from organisations seeking credible enterprises to support.
The directory will serve as a continuous link with grassroots businesses while providing other entrepreneurs an opportunity to register their enterprises free of charge. Ezeiruaku noted that all products displayed on the platform would be verified to ensure authenticity, providing consumers with reliable information. The directory aims to register 400 entities and has already enrolled 189 businesses.
Ezeiruaku encouraged Nigerian entrepreneurs to take advantage of the free registration window. Mrs. Okiemute Olori, Media Consultant at ITFA, stated that the meeting was organised to brief journalists on the progress of the GEF-SGP project. Olori emphasised the initiative’s role in helping MSMEs build sustainable businesses and improving the export readiness of their products.