Tinubu Presides Over Federal Executive Council Meeting

President Bola Tinubu is presiding over a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja, with a proposed national policy on small and medium-sized enterprises among the issues expected to be considered.

Tinubu arrived at the venue at 2:34 p.m., accompanied by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, ahead of the council session on Wednesday.

However, the Ministers of Defence, Foreign Affairs, the Federal Capital Territory and Aviation were among those absent from the meeting.

One of the key items on the agenda is the proposed National Policy on Small and Medium Enterprises for 2026 to 2030, which is awaiting the council’s approval.

The Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, had disclosed the pending policy on Tuesday while speaking at the launch of a free digital training platform designed to improve small businesses’ access to government contracts.

Odii said the policy placed emphasis on expanding the participation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in public procurement, identifying government contracts as an avenue for business growth, formalisation and increased local content.

He explained that enabling capable small businesses to compete for public contracts on transparent terms would broaden the government’s supplier base, create opportunities for entrepreneurs and help retain more economic value within Nigeria.

The proposed policy is expected to provide a framework for improving the business environment and strengthening the contribution of small enterprises to national economic development.

The meeting brings together members of the Federal Executive Council, including ministers and other senior government officials, to deliberate on policy matters and government programmes.