Ecobank Nigeria has partnered with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises across Lagos through capacity building, market access, and enterprise development initiatives.
In a statement on Thursday, the bank said that the collaboration is designed to strengthen small businesses, promote entrepreneurship, and boost job creation as part of broader efforts to reduce unemployment and drive inclusive economic growth in the state.
Under this partnership, Ecobank will provide MSMEs with access to business advisory support, digital tools, networking platforms, and new market opportunities, including cross-border trade linkages via the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub. The engagement will also leverage SME events, targeted training programmes, and knowledge-sharing sessions to help Lagos-based entrepreneurs build structure, improve governance, and scale sustainably.
Speaking about the partnership, Head of SME Banking at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, described the initiative as a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“We are delighted to partner with LSETF on this impactful journey. MSMEs are the engine of our economy, but many require structure, skills, and market access to truly thrive. Our focus is to equip entrepreneurs with the right knowledge, networks, platforms, and digital solutions that help them grow sustainably. Through initiatives such as the Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub, our SME networking events, and capacity-building programmes, we will connect Lagos businesses to broader opportunities at home and across Africa,” she said.
Also speaking, Head of Agency Banking and Third-Party Partnerships at Ecobank, Oyeronke Ibidapo-Obe, highlighted the long-term value of the collaboration, saying, “This partnership creates a solid framework for enterprise development in Lagos. By combining capacity building, mentoring, digital enablement, and market access, we are laying the foundation for scalable businesses that can compete locally and internationally. Our goal is clear: to help MSMEs grow, create jobs, and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic prosperity.”
Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of LSETF, Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, expressed optimism about the collaboration, noting that the partnership will support the Fund’s mission to enable Lagos residents to become economically active and self-sufficient.
She said, “This partnership is another step forward in our commitment to enabling small businesses in Lagos to reach their full potential. We are excited about what this partnership means for our beneficiaries and for Lagos as a whole, as we build stronger businesses, create more jobs, and continue to champion an inclusive economy that works for everyone.”
The LSETF is a government agency established to foster job creation and entrepreneurship in Lagos State. LSETF implements strategic and impact-driven programmes to provide access to finance, capacity-building opportunities, tech ecosystem initiatives and business support services to Lagos residents.
