The United Nations Development Programme/Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme (UNDP/GEF-SGP) says it has empowered more than 600 enterprises nationwide under its Support to Potential and Established Nature-Positive MSMEs (SPENM) project.
Dr. Ibirounke Olubamise, National Coordinator of UNDP/GEF-SGP, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the unveiling of the Nature-Positive Organisation Online Directory.
Olubamise said the project, implemented by the International Trade Facilitators Association (ITFA), had enabled beneficiary enterprises to transition from donor dependence to sustainable, market-ready businesses.
She said the initiative supports the Federal Government’s efforts to create an enabling environment for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive.
According to her, the SPENM project aims to build local capacity, improve market access, and prepare eco-conscious businesses for international trade through compliance with green standards and sustainability requirements. This helps MSMEs move beyond dependence on grants.
Olubamise described SPENM as a post-grant sustainability initiative designed to address the short-lived impact of many interventions targeting non-governmental organisations and MSMEs.
She said the project was launched with a catalytic $50,000 seed grant from the UNDP-administered GEF-SGP, complemented by an equivalent value of in-kind contributions.
The initiative equips environmentally friendly enterprises, NGOs, and community-based organisations with the skills, market access, and global certification pathways needed to remain viable beyond donor funding.
The project targets grassroots enterprises, including farmers, processors, and nature-positive MSMEs engaged in renewable energy, waste reduction, and environmental conservation.
Olubamise identified grant dependency, funding constraints, market barriers, and infrastructure deficits as major challenges facing the programme.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Collins Ezeiruaku, Trade Ambassador of ITFA, said the newly unveiled online directory would connect businesses with buyers and improve access to genuine products.
He described the platform as a global showcase for Nigerian businesses, providing visibility, credibility, business information, and continuous training for participating enterprises.
Ezeiruaku said businesses listed on the platform would gain access to markets and opportunities from organisations seeking credible enterprises to support. The directory also serves as a continuous link with grassroots businesses while allowing other entrepreneurs to register their enterprises free of charge.
According to him, all products displayed on the platform are verified to ensure authenticity and provide consumers with reliable information.
Ezeiruaku said the directory is targeting 400 registered entities and has so far enrolled 189 businesses. He urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to take advantage of the free registration window.
Also speaking, Mrs. Mute Olori, ITFA Media Link, said the meeting was organised to brief journalists on the progress of the GEF-SGP project.
Olori said the initiative was helping MSMEs build sustainable businesses and improve the export readiness of their products.
