The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Procter and Gamble (P&G) Nigeria, a leading consumer packaged goods company. The understanding is to work in partnership on a public-private initiative to launch the SME Development Academy.
The understanding was signed between the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, on behalf of the Federal Government and the Director, Government Relations, P&G Africa, Temitope Iluyemi.
Aim Of The Strategic Partnership for Both Parties.
The strategic partnership is expected to influence the ministry’s SME Development Academy Programme, which aims at delivering organized skills training, mentorship and advisory services for selected Nigerian owned SMEs within the academy scheme.
The minister while speaking at the occasion, said: “Today is a significant day for us and for SMEs across the country. We have signed an MoU with Procter and Gamble who has shown a lot of interest in giving back to society especially the Nigeria society. P&G have been in Nigeria for over twenty years so, they felt it necessary to support SMEs because they believe these are the people who are also their vital customers”.
“Of course, we have over 38 million SMEs in Nigeria, the ministry is delighted that this partnership will support the government’s programme to train SME Academy participants on key financial management principles and expose them to financial literacy, improve their access to finance and promote business ethics” the minister said.
According to the minister, SMEs have demonstrated to be a vital part of our economy, hence the need to help them scale up and achieve more. This partnership with P&G could not have come at a better time.
P&G’s Commitment to SME Empowerment.
Temitope Iluyemi while applauding the strategic partnership said the objective was to give back to the country by developing the skills of SMEs to be more competitive, and be able to operate on a global stage, being employers of labour, as well as contributing to the nation’s development.
“We are committed to empowering SMEs and helping them get adequate skills for the success of their businesses. Our ultimate aim is to see small businesses grow and contribute to the overall growth of our nation’s economy. Iluyemi said.
This partnership demonstrates P&G’s commitment to be a force for good and growth.
P&G in a brief
Procter & Gamble (P&G), is one of the world’s largest consumer packaged goods companies; with operations in Nigeria. P&G has a strong range of six leading brands in Nigeria: Pampers, Ariel, Always, Oral B, Gillette and Safeguard, etc. They bring world-class standards to Nigeria. The company raise consumer satisfaction and market standards and offers the latest product technology to meet the needs and budgets of a wide range of consumers.
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