Presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has outlined plans to prioritise empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and young entrepreneurs as the party intensifies its push for the presidency in the 2027 elections.
Hayatu-Deen spoke on Tuesday during a meeting with young entrepreneurs, where discussions focused on rebuilding the economy, supporting small businesses and expanding opportunities for youth amid mounting economic pressures.
The engagement comes at a time when small and medium-sized enterprises—widely regarded as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy—are grappling with rising inflation driven by broader global economic pressures and persistent energy-related challenges.
Speaking during the session, Hayatu-Deen said SMEs account for a significant share of job creation and household income across the country, warning that their struggles have wider economic consequences.
“The message from these young entrepreneurs was clear. The cost of doing business is rising faster than their ability to grow. From energy to transportation to raw materials, everything is becoming more expensive, while profits continue to shrink.
“Having spent years supporting the growth of businesses and helping to create millions of jobs, I understand both the promise of our SMEs and the constraints holding them back. When the enabling environment is right, businesses thrive. When it is not, even the most resilient struggle,” he said.
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The ADC aspirant said his economic plan is anchored in building a productive system that rewards enterprise, restores investor confidence and reduces pressure on businesses.
According to him, insecurity remains a major constraint to economic activity, affecting farmers, traders, transporters and manufacturers, and must be addressed as part of a broader recovery strategy.
He said his administration would prioritise reducing the cost of doing business through reforms in energy supply, infrastructure, taxation, access to finance and regulatory processes.
“Our SMEs should be building, hiring, innovating, and expanding, not merely struggling to survive. Nigeria cannot create prosperity while its businesses are suffocating under rising costs and insecurity,” he said.
“This is why we are running, to fix this. To build a safer country, create more jobs, lower the cost of doing business, and give millions of Nigerians a real opportunity to succeed.”
Hayatu-Deen’s consultations with entrepreneurs and other stakeholders are expected to continue in the coming weeks as he outlines his policy direction and builds support within the party ahead of the primaries.
