…unveils nature-positive business directory

The United Nations Development Programme/Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme (UNDP/GEF-SGP) has announced that more than 6,000 enterprises across Nigeria have benefited from its Support to Potential and Established Nature-Positive MSMEs (SPENM) project, an initiative designed to strengthen environmentally sustainable businesses and reduce reliance on donor funding.

The disclosure was made on Thursday in Abuja by the National Coordinator of UNDP/GEF-SGP, Ibirounke Olubamise, during the unveiling of the Nature Positive Organisation Online Directory.

Ms Olubamise said the SPENM project, implemented by the International Trade Facilitators Association (ITFA), has helped beneficiary enterprises evolve from donor-supported initiatives into sustainable businesses capable of competing in the marketplace.

She explained that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to create an enabling environment for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enabling them to expand and remain competitive.

According to Ms Olubamise, the project focuses on strengthening local capacity, improving access to markets, and positioning environmentally conscious businesses for participation in international trade. She noted that this is being achieved by helping enterprises comply with green standards and sustainability requirements, allowing them to progress beyond dependence on grant funding.

She further described SPENM as a post-grant sustainability initiative established to address the limited long-term impact of many interventions previously targeted at non-governmental organisations and MSMEs.

Ms Olubamise stated that the project commenced with a catalytic $50,000 seed grant provided through the UNDP-administered Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), alongside an equivalent value of in-kind contributions.

She added that the initiative provides environmentally friendly enterprises, non-governmental organisations, and community-based organisations with the skills, market access, and global certification pathways required to remain viable after donor support ends.

The project primarily targets grassroots enterprises, including farmers, processors, and nature-positive MSMEs operating in renewable energy, waste reduction, and environmental conservation.

Ms Olubamise also identified grant dependency, inadequate funding, limited market access, and infrastructure deficits as some of the major challenges confronting the programme.

Speaking at the event, Collins Ezeiruaku, Trade Ambassador of the International Trade Facilitators Association, said the newly launched online directory would connect businesses with buyers while improving public access to authentic products.

He described the platform as a global showcase for Nigerian businesses, offering participating enterprises greater visibility, credibility, business information, and continuous training opportunities.

Mr Ezeiruaku added that businesses listed on the directory would gain access to markets and opportunities provided by organisations seeking credible enterprises to support.

He said the platform would maintain continuous engagement with grassroots businesses while allowing other entrepreneurs to register their enterprises free of charge.

According to him, every product displayed on the platform will undergo verification to ensure authenticity and provide consumers with reliable information.

Mr Ezeiruaku disclosed that the directory is targeting 400 registered entities and has already enrolled 189 businesses.

He encouraged Nigerian entrepreneurs to take advantage of the free registration opportunity.

Source: Peoples Gazette