Engineers Urge Government Support For Tech-Based SMEs To Boost Industrial Growth

By TOSI ORE

THE Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE) has called on federal and state governments to strengthen SME-focused industrial parks, expand access to finance, and offer tax incentives to tech-based small businesses.

Speaking ahead of the NSChE’s 55th Annual Conference in Enugu, National President Bayo Olarewaju-Alo said stronger research–industry partnerships and local fabrication of machinery are essential to reducing import dependence.

He urged government to promote gas utilisation and renewable energy to cut production costs and prioritise procurement from local manufacturers.

Olarewaju-Alo noted that SMEs drive more than 80% of employment and nearly half of Nigeria’s GDP but face major obstacles, including high energy costs, weak infrastructure, low technology adoption, and limited industry linkages.

He said the conference aims to recommend solutions to strengthen SME competitiveness and support Nigeria’s shift toward a production-driven economy.