NAFDAC, AEA sensitise MSMEs to certification in FCT
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday organised a one-day sensitisation workshop in Abuja for owners of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The event, supported by the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), the body responsible for entrepreneurship development and wealth creation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aimed to educate MSME operators on regulatory requirements and business compliance.
Mr Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of the NAFDAC FCT Directorate, said the agency was committed to promoting MSMEs in Nigeria, especially in the FCT.
He emphasised that the sensitisation was held to inform business owners of the necessary steps to gain NAFDAC certification.
“Your certification is crucial. Once your MSME is certified, you won’t face obstacles along the way,” Azikiwe said.
He explained that aside from certification, a conducive business environment was essential for attracting customers.
According to him, NAFDAC officials are tasked with evaluating MSME facilities to ensure compliance with standards.
He added that other requirements included evidence of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), a fumigation certificate, a medical fitness certificate, and a food handler certificate.
He also encouraged businesses to register trademarks, although it was not compulsory for micro enterprises.
Earlier, the Acting Managing Director/CEO of AEA, Mr Chudi-Ugwuada Ezirigwe, said the agency’s mandate was to promote entrepreneurship and support MSMEs on their path to sustainability with the support of the FCT Minister.
“In alignment with the Federal Government’s ease of doing business initiative, and with backing from the FCT Administration, AEA established the MSME One-Stop Shop,” Ezirigwe said.
He explained that the One-Stop Shop hosts operational desks of key regulatory and financial institutions, helping MSMEs obtain necessary certifications, licenses, and access to finance while minimising bureaucratic delays.
Ezirigwe expressed gratitude to NAFDAC for its collaboration in equipping MSME operators with the knowledge needed to thrive.
Also speaking at the event, Hajia Maryam Bello, Team Lead for Business Advisory at AEA, highlighted the critical role of MSMEs in Nigeria’s economy.
She noted that MSMEs contributed 50 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and were responsible for 59.6 million jobs, representing 86.3 per cent of the national workforce.
“There are officially 41.5 million MSMEs in Nigeria, including approximately 41.4 million micro-enterprises and 73,081 small and medium enterprises,” she said.
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