Name Robert Is a business development professional who specializes in transformational strategies. With expertise in marketing, he creates impactful campaigns that drive measurable results. As a speaker and trainer, Nkem empowers teams to achieve their goals while fostering strong relationships in dynamic environments. He has a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of East London. In this interview with kenneth athekemHe spoke on the vital role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Nigerian economy, the challenges they face and the policies needed to drive their growth and long-term sustainability. Part:
You have experience spanning consulting, technology, manufacturing, education and faith leadership. How have these diverse areas shaped your perspective on entrepreneurship in Nigeria?
My journey has shown me that entrepreneurship is never one-dimensional; It's about solving problems from multiple angles. I started in technology, building SaaS solutions to tackle everyday business and personal challenges. The success of those projects attracted people who sought my advice, which naturally led me to pursue consulting.
With a background in civil engineering, I have always applied the same principles of beam and column structure and support to business systems and processes. That mindset gave me a unique edge. Estergen Construction became an extension of that discipline, allowing me to build, design and renovate with precision.
Each field added a layer: consulting sharpened my analytical thinking, technology fostered innovation, manufacturing emphasized precision, and education taught me patience in developing people. But at the core of it all is my belief in who I am. My businesses are simply an expression of my desire to solve problems and create impact.
What inspired you to establish Gatewood Consulting and later your other ventures EZSynergy and Estergen Construction?
I actually started with EasyAce Synergy driven by a desire to bridge the gap in both home and business operations through technology. We have developed platforms like EasySchool, eBizApp and HandyMan app that are designed to simplify life and work. Initially, I focused on development and coding, but I soon realized that technical expertise alone was not enough. I needed business skills. Partnering with the right people and enhancing our business knowledge helped us achieve remarkable success. Within a year, we generated revenue worth millions.
That success inspired friends to seek my business advice. I started consulting informally but one day someone paid for a session and that became the inspiration for Gatewood Consulting, which now helps entrepreneurs and organizations grow efficiently.
Asturjan Construction came later, inspired by my trip to Dubai. Seeing world-class infrastructure inspired me to replicate that level of excellence in Nigeria.
Many young entrepreneurs struggle to strike a balance between vision and execution. What has been your biggest lesson?
My biggest lesson is the power of delegation and monitoring. As a founder, you start out by doing everything yourself, but as your vision grows, you must rely on capable hands for implementation while providing strategic direction.
The true role of a visionary is to envision, shape, and guide the future of the business. This is possible only when you delegate work effectively, create monitoring systems and insist on operational excellence.
SMEs are often described as the backbone of the Nigerian economy. In your experience, what are the most pressing challenges they face today?
The main challenges are access to finance, weak business structures and inconsistent policies. Many SMEs are driven by passion but lack the systems, governance and documentation needed to attract investors or grow on a sustainable scale.
From your consulting experience, what are the common mistakes Nigerian SMEs make when structuring their businesses?
The biggest mistake is to build for survival instead of vision. Often, businesses are extensions of their founders designed to pay the bills, not create long-term value. That mentality leads to short-term decisions.
Additionally, many SMEs lack financial discipline, proper documentation and governance systems. Without these pillars, it is difficult to expand, attract investment, or create a legacy beyond the founder.
How can SMEs move from survival mode to building scalable, sustainable businesses?
The first step is a mental shift. Entrepreneurs must think beyond survival and start building with purpose. That's why I founded the SME Conference to expose small businesses to global best practices, a new mindset, and the importance of structure.
Counseling is also important. Having access to people who have made the journey helps SMEs avoid costly mistakes. In practical terms, businesses must document processes, separate personal and business finances, build capable teams and leverage partnerships. Involvement of consultants can accelerate this change.
Your company Easyace Synergy developed tools like eBizApp and EasySchool. How important is technology adoption for Nigerian SMEs, and what barriers exist to digital transformation?
Technology is no longer optional; It is the lifeline of competition. That's why we created tools like eBizApp and EasySchool to simplify daily operations for SMEs and schools.
Barriers remain the cost of adoption, low digital literacy and resistance to change. But once adopted, the technology significantly improves efficiency and profitability. With the rise of AI, SMEs that delay adoption risk being left behind by more innovative competitors.
How has automation changed the performance of businesses you've worked with?
Automation has reduced overhead costs by 30% and improved efficiency by about 20 percent. By automating routine processes like payroll or inventory, entrepreneurs can focus on strategy and innovation.
Through e-commerce integration, many of our clients now earn up to 40 percent of their revenues in foreign exchange by reaching international customers.
How do you identify market gaps worth innovating?
I don't actively look for gaps. I feel them. For example, Ipayang was inspired by my frustration when I had to travel three kilometers to buy airtime. The Handyman app was born out of the struggle to find reliable technicians.
Innovation starts with empathy. When I experience a problem that affects others as well, it's a clear sign that a solution is needed. The best products solve real, everyday problems.
What personal principles guide you in leading multiple enterprises in different sectors?
Three principles guide me: people first, systems above emotion, and integrity above profit.
You established the SME Summit in 2024. What was your vision and what impact has it had so far?
My vision was to create a platform where small businesses could learn, network and grow. In 2024, more than 150 businesses participated, along with speakers and partners from a variety of industries. The effect has been powerful new collaborations, strategies and new trust among entrepreneurs.
What role should mentorship and peer networking play in strengthening entrepreneurship in Nigeria?
They are absolutely critical. Mentorship shortens the learning curve by providing others with lessons paid for over time and mistakes. On the other hand, networking opens doors and businesses grow faster through relationships than through advertisements.
In Nigeria, where access to funding and information is limited, mentorship and networking are lifelines. Entrepreneurs must stop viewing peers as competitors and start viewing them as allies.
You train fashion entrepreneurs and organize international masterclasses. What are the major shortcomings you see among Nigerian entrepreneurs?
The biggest differences are structure, strategic thinking and financial discipline. In my classes, I emphasize systems thinking, business planning, and brand positioning skills that turn talent into scalable businesses.
How do you adapt global business insights to Nigeria’s unique environment?
Global best practices should be localised. For example, while Western companies grow through venture capital, Nigerian SMEs often grow through cooperatives or joint ventures. The principle is global, but the implementation must reflect our reality.
My faith also shapes my perspective. While my MBA training expanded my analytical skills, I have found that my most effective strategies often come from prayer and divine guidance. The balance of global knowledge and spiritual insight helps me design practical solutions that work locally and internationally.
From your vantage point, which policy reforms will benefit Nigerian SMEs the most?
First, improve access to affordable finance. Many SMEs are deprived of growth due to funding gaps. Single-digit loans should be made accessible through commercial banks, which already have the infrastructure and visibility of business health to effectively manage risk.
The government should also provide tax incentives that encourage reinvestment and expansion, and focus on the fundamentals of reliable electricity and affordable internet. Once stability and supporting infrastructure is established, SMEs can flourish and compete globally.
What should government, investors and private sector leaders do differently to support entrepreneurship in Nigeria?
The government must create enabling policies, investors need to be more patient with SME development, and private sector leaders must guide and partner with budding entrepreneurs. Collaboration between these groups is the key to a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Nigerian SMEs, and how do you see your contribution to it?
My long-term vision is to see Nigerian SMEs evolve beyond survival to become globally competitive enterprises that create jobs, generate wealth and shape industries.
My role is to continue to build bridges: through consulting that strengthens business structures, through platforms like the SME Conference that provide knowledge and networks, and through technology solutions that make operations smarter and more sustainable.
If we can combine vision with structure, Nigeria's SMEs will not only survive but they will redefine the future of our economy.
