The Federal Government has inaugurated a Government-Private Sector (GPS) Dialogue Series aimed at strengthening collaboration with the private sector to accelerate economic growth and expand financing opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
The initiative, launched on Saturday at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, forms part of the Renewed Hope Agenda and seeks to address barriers constraining private enterprise, deepen access to finance, and spur investment-driven growth.
The maiden edition of the roundtable, themed “Finance and SME Growth,” brought together policymakers, business leaders, development partners and state officials to identify policy gaps and chart a joint action plan for enterprise expansion and economic development.
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In his remarks, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to economic reforms and an enabling environment that empowers entrepreneurs.
“This administration remains committed to creating an economy where all Nigerians can thrive and contribute to growth,” he said, stressing the government’s focus on building a reform-driven, private-sector-friendly economy.
Welcoming participants, Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, said the forum would serve as a bridge between policymakers and industry leaders.
“The objective is simple but profound to surface key issues, identify bottlenecks, and agree on practical steps that will improve access to finance and drive enterprise growth,” she noted.
Uzoka-Anite applauded President Tinubu’s leadership, adding that ongoing reforms are rebuilding investor confidence.
“The unification of the foreign exchange market, fuel subsidy removal, and strong fiscal discipline send a clear message to local and foreign investors Nigeria is open for serious business again.”
She also commended Mr. Edun’s “stellar leadership” and acknowledged the role of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in supporting private-sector-driven economic development.
A highlight of the event was the announcement of the Lagos-Igbo Consultative Council a new platform designed to strengthen collaboration between the Lagos State Government and the Igbo business community.
Officials said the body would enhance dialogue, deepen trust, and facilitate coordinated economic engagement in the state.
The dialogue series, officials noted, will serve as a recurring mechanism to:
- Strengthen government-private sector engagement
- Improve SME financing and access to credit
- Promote policy alignment between federal and state structures
- Drive inclusive economic development
The minister urged the private sector to see itself as a co-architect in building a prosperous Nigeria.
“Let us work hand-in-hand with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver the shared prosperity we all desire.”
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With the new dialogue platform, the Federal Government expressed optimism that Nigeria can unlock fresh investment, deepen enterprise participation, and accelerate job creation.
Officials added that the initiative would be rolled out in other states as part of a nationwide economic engagement plan.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
