Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and Bank of Industry (BOI) have intensified efforts to help Nigerian small businesses access long-term funding through the capital market, extending their advocacy to Kano as part of a broader national engagement drive.
The Kano workshop follows an earlier session held in Lagos, signalling a more coordinated attempt to bridge the long-standing gap between Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and structured sources of finance. For many business owners, access to patient capital remains one of the biggest barriers to scaling operations, expanding into new markets, and building sustainable enterprises.
With the theme, “Unlocking Growth – Harnessing the Capital Market for SME Growth,” the session moved beyond awareness to practical engagement. Participants were guided on financing pathways, governance standards, and the institutional structures required to transition from informal funding to market-based capital.
Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, noted that access to funding alone is not sufficient to drive enterprise growth. According to him, businesses must also align with the frameworks that support transparency, governance, and long-term value creation.
He described Kano as a strategic location for the initiative, given its history as a commercial hub and its growing base of entrepreneurs. He added that the focus is on connecting this potential to capital and equipping businesses with the systems required to sustain growth.
Chief Executive Officer of NGX, Jude Chiemeka, emphasised that SMEs play a critical role in deepening Nigeria’s capital market. He pointed out that despite economic headwinds, market performance has continued to reflect investor confidence, creating opportunities for well-structured businesses to raise funds.
He explained that initiatives like the workshop are designed to simplify how the capital market works, making it more accessible to everyday business owners who may have previously viewed it as complex or out of reach.
On the financing side, Executive Director for MSMEs at BOI, Oluwatoyin Ahmed Edu, said the bank is focused on preparing businesses that are not yet ready for listing. She noted that BOI provides capacity-building support to help such enterprises meet regulatory and operational requirements before accessing the market.
Representing the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Shehu Muhammed Dankade highlighted the region’s strong entrepreneurial culture, particularly the increasing participation of women-led businesses. He described this trend as a sign of resilience and untapped economic potential.
The workshop also featured detailed sessions on NGX listing requirements, corporate governance, and the NGX Growth Board as a viable platform for SMEs seeking long-term capital.
Beyond presentations, the engagement created room for direct interaction with business owners across Northern Nigeria, offering deeper insight into their funding challenges, growth plans, and readiness to tap into structured financing channels.
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